Oregon is hoping to begin work in September on the long-delayed bridge over the Columbia River, but local politicians worry about President Trump withholding pledged federal funding, Oregon Public Broadcasting reports.
The bridge will replace the 100-year-old dual-bridges that now carry the Interstate-5 between Portland and Vancouver in Washington State.
If the project does go ahead, it will end decades of fruitless efforts to modernise the crossing.
Project managers are now considering public comments on an environmental impact statement and evaluating possible designs.
Estimates have put the cost of the bridge at up to $7.5bn, but it’s not clear if pledged federal funding will come under Trump. The Biden administration pledged $2.1bn, but that is now uncertain under the new administration.
The states of Washington and Oregon have each pledged $1bn for the bridge.
Website Global Highways reports that tolling may be able to support a loan of $1.6bn.
‘We don’t have a bridge right now’
Vancouver mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said there was still some way to go to get the work on track.
“The contracts haven’t been written, the checks haven’t been signed. So, until that happens, we don’t have a bridge right now,” she said.
“We’re hoping to get a record of decision in September and put a shovel in the dirt the next day.”
Peter DeFazio, a retired senator from Oregon commented: “Historically, administrations have recognised and continued with the obligations made by the previous administration. But I really can’t say what’s going to happen with this administration. No one knows.”
DeFazio was involved in the “Columbia River Crossing” project that was abandoned in 2014 when Washington state lawmakers declined to authorise funds for its construction over the question of tolling.
DeFazio continued to promote the project in congress because of the persistent congestion and earthquake risks of what is actually two parallel bridges.
“The original bridge is on wooden pilings. And the new bridge, only 90-some-odd years old, will not withstand any substantial earth tremor,” he said.
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