Washington's $15 Billion I-5 Bridge Project Faces New Federal Lawsuit

A $15 BILLION Interstate Bridge Replacement project connecting Washington and Oregon is facing a federal lawsuit that could threaten construction plans for the controversial I-5 bridge between Vancouver and Portland. Iron Partners LLC, a Columbia River industrial business, has filed a lawsuit challenging the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program's preferred fixed-span design. The lawsuit argues that the proposed 116-foot vertical clearance would restrict marine navigation, harm industrial businesses and interfere with economic activity along the Columbia River. The legal challenge raises new questions about the Washington-Oregon bridge replacement project's estimated $13 billion to $15 billion cost, environmental review process, business mitigation payments and potential construction delays. $15 BILLION INTERSTATE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT LAWSUIT In an exclusive interview with The Center Square, Washington State Representative John Ley of Vancouver discusses the federal lawsuit against the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR), the proposed bridge design and concerns from businesses operating along the Columbia River. The lawsuit alleges that the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and other agencies failed to adequately consider the environmental and economic consequences of the proposed fixed-span bridge. At the center of the dispute is the bridge's planned 116-foot clearance, which the lawsuit argues would be 62 feet lower than the current navigation clearance and could permanently restrict certain industrial operations. Iron Partners LLC is challenging the project's federal environmental review and approval process as construction is currently planned to begin in 2028. $141 MILLION IN BRIDGE MITIGATION PAYMENTS Rep. John Ley also discusses approximately $141 million in negotiated mitigation payments for four upriver industrial businesses affected by the proposed bridge clearance. The payments are intended to address business disruptions, relocation costs and other impacts associated with the Interstate Bridge Replacement project. Thompson Metal Fab is among the businesses slated to receive mitigation funding. Iron Partners LLC, the company bringing the lawsuit, is not among the four businesses identified as receiving those payments. The dispute raises questions about how the bridge replacement program evaluates economic damages, negotiates compensation and addresses the concerns of Columbia River manufacturers. WASHINGTON TAXPAYERS, LIGHT RAIL AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION COSTS The Interstate Bridge Replacement project would replace the aging Interstate 5 bridge connecting Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, and include light rail service across the Columbia River. Rep. John Ley, a longtime critic of the project, questions the estimated $13 billion to $15 billion price tag and argues that alternative bridge designs with greater vertical clearance should receive additional consideration. Ley also criticizes the inclusion of light rail between Portland and Vancouver and questions whether the project's environmental review adequately addressed concerns from Clark County residents, Hayden Island residents and waterfront businesses. Could the federal lawsuit delay construction scheduled for 2028? Could the Interstate Bridge Replacement project face additional legal challenges, design changes or higher costs? The lawsuit's outcome remains uncertain, but the legal challenge adds another complication to one of the Pacific Northwest's largest transportation infrastructure projects. WASHINGTON-OREGON INTERSTATE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT COVERAGE The Center Square continues reporting on the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement, Columbia River transportation, Vancouver-Portland infrastructure, Washington taxpayer spending, government accountability, public construction costs and the economic impact of major transportation projects. Subscribe to Washington In Focus Daily for independent reporting on Washington state government, business, infrastructure, transportation policy and taxpayer accountability. 📱 Get Washington government news by text: Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 for important Washington policy updates about twice a week. #InterstateBridgeReplacement #WashingtonNews #ColumbiaRiver #VancouverWA #TheCenterSquare