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Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program

In 2019, the states of Washington and Oregon committed to restarting work to replace the I-5 bridge. This effort is called the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program. Supporting IBR implementation is a top priority for the City of Vancouver.

Please visit the official IBR website for details, including:

  • A program description (what it includes)
  • How to get involved
  • Resources and background information

Latest news

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $30 million grant to the City of Vancouver and the Washington State Department of Transportation through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. This is the largest competitive federal grant award that the City has ever received. The funding will support construction of the “Community Connector” – the planned lid over I-5 included in the IBR program. The Connector will be located adjacent to the future transit station at Evergreen Boulevard. It is intended to enhance the link between the Historic Reserve and downtown.

The Connector has been years in the making. In 2024, City staff and the IBR team hosted focus groups with local organizations to start envisioning the lid’s specific uses and design and its relationship to other IBR investments. Based on feedback from these meetings, IBR’s engagement, and the City’s planning efforts for Downtown, we developed an initial list of guiding principles for the Connector and Evergreen station area. We will continue the planning process in 2025 with opportunities for the community to provide input soon. If you would like to be added to an interest list, please email lori.severino@cityofvancouver.us.

Environmental review

The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the IBR program was available for public review Sept. 20 through Nov. 18, 2024. During this time, community members were invited to provide feedback on the analysis of benefits and impacts of program investments, including design options and potential mitigation measures. Feedback is helping to shape the solution that moves forward into the next phase of program design. There were multiple ways to comment, including an online form, by email, by voicemail on a toll-free hotline, at a virtual event or at the open house.

During the comment period, City staff presented relevant findings from the Draft SEIS to various City of Vancouver boards and commissions. The materials for these meetings are provided below for reference:

Program overview

The I-5 bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure that connects the Portland/Vancouver region and is the only continuous north-south interstate on the West Coast between Mexico and Canada. Replacement of the bridge will address critical seismic vulnerability issues. It is also a significant opportunity to improve the I-5 corridor through Vancouver, addressing challenges with:

Accordingly, the IBR Program includes a variety of investments along the five-mile corridor. The program is centering climate and equity as part of the design process.

The City’s role

The City of Vancouver is one of 10 public agencies that are partnering to develop and implement the IBR program, which is led by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Washington State Department of Transportation. Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and the City Manager represent the City of Vancouver on the Executive Steering Group.

Milestone documents