Interstate Bridge replacement design too low, Coast Guard says

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The U.S. Coast Guard has told project planners that their proposed design for a new Interstate Bridge is too low and that the maritime service would be unlikely to approve the plan in its current form.

A letter from the Coast Guard to bridge planners last month said that a new structure needs 178 feet of clearance, or a drawbridge, to accommodate vessels navigating the Columbia River, as well as products manufactured by several local companies.

The current design for a new bridge is 116 feet high with a fixed span. The existing bridge is two spans, both of which lift up to 178 feet.

Even under planners’ most optimistic timeline, construction is unlikely to begin until 2025 or beyond, after a full environmental review of the bridge design. But the Coast Guard will first need to sign off on a permit.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/interstate-bridge-replacement-design-too-low-coast-guard-says/ar-AAZ7g8u

[Sneederbunk]

1. First, hire competent designer who knows Coast Guard rules.

This was a problem in earlier designs.

[captain queeg]

2. What? Again? That was part of led to the previous design failure.

They have to provide clearance for ships coming up river. They want the new bridge to provide as much clearance as the existing lift span at its highest position. Kind of a no brainer that they’d want the same clearance and I don’t understand why it wasn’t addressed. I read this isn’t a final determination but the existing design is quite a bit lower, just like last time. I’m sure it would be more expensive to do so but to progress the design with the hope that it would be accepted is really stupid.

And of course OR is against including a light rail line. Another stupid reservation. I guess the rethugs aren't the only ones who want to freeze time or go backwards. OR seems to believe by limiting access across the river it will control growth of Portland. What it will really do is increase the traffic jams.

[Thunderbeast]

3. Oregon is INSISTING on light rail!

Without transit, a huge piece of the federal funding evaporates.

The last plan was killed by tea party republicans from northern Clark County (WA) killing the plan in the Washigton Legislature. They want a car/truck ONLY configuration.

They are also opposed to a tolling plan to help pay for it.

Building more traffic capacity crossing the Columbia River is pointless when there is no place for the cars to go in Portland. Our city WILL NOT sacrifice more neighborhoods to automobile convenience.

[captain queeg]

4. Ok I had that part backwards. I knew it was a fatal sticking point last time

The elevation of the bridge really stuck out last time. They were so stunned to find out it wasn’t high enough. I thought surely they’ll take that into account. Makes me wonder if they knew all along last time and just ignored it. What was it, $6 million wasted and lost matching funds? I commuted from Vancouver to Portland for 15 yrs and thought maybe by the end of that time they’d have a bridge. I’m retired now and still waiting. Maybe before I die.