On January 7, 2014, the Oregon Department of Transportation released its analysis concluding that tolling a new I-5 bridge would generate enough revenue to finance the construction of that bridge. This positive analysis paves the way for the State of Oregon (without Washington funding) to continue its Columbia River Crossing planning project. The analysis assumed that crossing the Columbia River by way of I-205 would not be tolled, and as might be expected, the analysis predicted that the result would be a significant diversion of traffic from I-5 to I-205. Specifically, the analysis predicts that 22 percent of the traffic that would otherwise be expected to cross the I-5 bridge in 2016 if it were not tolled will instead divert to I-205. Over time, the analysis predicts, drivers will return to I-5, but not to the extent that they would have used the I-5 crossing without a toll. The analysis assumes that light rail will be extended to downtown Vancouver, and also assumes that Washington will not financially participate in the construction of the new crossing. Interestingly, tolling is assumed to begin as early as September 2015. The toll would be collected from vehicles traveling over the existing bridge while the new bridge is being constructed. The next step in the process is for Governor Kitzhaber to ask the Oregon Legislature, which meets next month, to reauthorize Oregon’s $450 million contribution to the new bridge.
