Vancouver, WA – April 2025
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Vancouver WA 2025 Program—a vital infrastructure upgrade connecting Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon—is facing new uncertainty after the presidential election draws near. The $7.5 billion effort to replace the aging bridge over the Columbia River.
Backed by the Biden administration through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the bridge project is a key example of federal-state partnership. But experts previously warned that if former President Donald Trump returns to office, the previously awarded infrastructure grants could be revisited, delayed, or revoked.
According to KGW News, the bridge—scheduled to break ground in 2026—still lacks some final approvals and disbursements. That leaves it vulnerable to changing political priorities in Washington, D.C.
The current bridge, originally built in 1917, is functionally obsolete and at high risk during a major earthquake. It also lacks modern transit access and frequently causes traffic gridlock. Replacing it would not only improve public safety, but also reduce congestion and boost the region’s economic output.
Local leaders, including those from Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), continue to advocate for bipartisan support and stable federal funding.
“This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about jobs, safety, and our future,” said one regional planner.
To learn more about how this project affects local development, check out our coverage of the Vancouver Waterfront, housing growth in Clark County, and transportation issues in the I-5 corridor.
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