Discussions are ongoing about the Interstate 5 Bridge replacement. Consider keeping the existing bridge and build a truck route, including necessary bridges, that bypasses the downtown corridors. Access/exit somewhere around Wilsonville, Ore., to the south, and Ridgefield to the north. Possibilities might be along the I-205 corridor, or preferably alongside the main north/south railroad line, if possible.
Keeping large trucks out of mainstream traffic should reduce congestion significantly, lessen ongoing wear and tear to the old bridge, make the truckers happy to avoid the current congestion, and avoid the inevitable traffic interruption while replacing the old bridge. The railroad yards could serve as exchange points for freight with feeder routes into town.
How would the cost compare? No idea, but now seems a good time to consider, with current administration’s interest in improving infrastructure throughout the country. Any comments or other ideas?
