It’s time for the Columbia River Crossing to put the horse in front of the cart by requesting open bids by bridge builders on how and why they would build the replacement bridge. Two main factors would include continuing flow of vehicle and river traffic. Once this is determined, the CRC can decide on its appearance. I agree with the concept of five lanes in each direction with the two outside lanes being add/drop lanes between State Route 500 and Columbia Boulevard, and Mill Plain Boulevard and Marine Drive.
A CRC May 2008 executive summary contained several aerial renditions of a proposed bridge and rapid transit alignment. I was most drawn to a rendering with a rather straight bridge to the west of the draw bridges, and another rapid-transit bridge west of this new bridge. Using these two designs, I propose that this bridge, to the west, be a five-lane bridge, southbound only. When completed with traffic flowing south, the old southbound lift bridge would be removed, making way for the new five-lane bridge northbound. Then remove the old northbound lift bridge. The rapid transit bridge could be built at a later date when the economy improves.
John A. Nyberg
VANCOUVER
