Prior to 1917, river ferries existed on the Columbia between Portland and Vancouver. State leaders recognized the need for a permanent bridge, and constructed the bridge in 1917. In the early 1950s they recognized a need to develop the I-5 corridor, routing traffic from Main and Washington streets to I-5. Increased traffic in 1958 warranted a second southbound bridge with a hump. This also required modification of the 1917 bridge with a hump to reduce lift span openings. Due to vehicle congestion the states constructed a second Columbia River crossing, with the Interstate 205 bridge opening in 1982.
The wisdom shown by leaders of both states upgrading the needs in population and vehicle movement is commendable over the years. But now state leaders have either ignored or simply dropped the ball on the current CRC issue. Sad, but true.
The five-mile proposal does absolutely nothing for the I-5 corridor needs. A third bridge west below the railway bridge, and/or a fourth bridge in the Washougal-Camas area with a light rail connection to the Clark County-owned rail line to Chelatchie Prairie with a free Park & Ride would be more feasible and useful.
Also, $86 million in mitigation with three companies upriver should not be charged to taxpayers.
The existing I-5 Bridge should also remain in service.
Frank H. Funk
Vancouver
