Well, it’s time to get down to business and do something sensible.
First, forget bridges. Think about the valuable land lost to expensive ramps, expensive structures on the bridge, the number of people kicked out of their homes and losing their property. Think about the cost of future maintenance of the bridge, ramps, weather-related problems, possible damage by ships or planes and accidents on the bridge.
Think tunnels. Traffic will not be hampered by ice and snow or river traffic. There are a number of ways to build tunnels. Experts must be called in to determine which one would be best for a Columbia River crossing.
Think safety. Buses, trains, other vehicles needing power or rails should not be allowed in tunnels. They should stay above ground, where they are easier to get to when disabled and in need of repairs, so tunnel traffic wouldn’t be jammed up. Hazardous material in tunnels would earn a $100,000 fine. High-pressure sprinklers would be installed throughout. No bicycles. No passing allowed. Speed limits rigidly enforced. The I-5 Bridge can handle light rail on one side, and trucks and streetcars on the other.
