By now, it’s clear to everyone we have inherited one of the largest failures to replace aging infrastructure. Billions of potential dollars to replace the Interstate 5 Bridge are gone; hundreds of millions more may have to be repaid to the federal government in 2019. People are deeply frustrated with inaction on an I-5 Bridge replacement.
Washingtonians expect action that matches the urgency they feel every day on their morning commute — action that’s swift, bold, and wise enough to meet the demands of a growing region.
I feel a deep sense of urgency, as do many in our region. It’s time to replace the I-5 Bridge with high-capacity transit, and bicycle and pedestrian improvements to support the region’s transportation needs.
Our region has a choice to make. We can once again let partisan ideology stand in the way of progress. Or we can join together and say now is the time. Let’s act boldly to turn crisis into opportunity, and together replace the I-5 Bridge with a dedicated guideway for high-capacity transit — building on investments already made in the region.
