Aaron Granillo is a reporter for KIRO Newsradio. He grew up in Seattle and studied broadcast journalism at Arizona State University in Phoenix. Aaron started his news-talk career at KTAR before becoming a morning host and anchor for KNAU, Arizona Public Radio in Flagstaff. His story about a Native American chef won a 2017 National Edward R.
An aerial view of the Interstate Bridge. , putting the price anywhere between $7.8 billion and $15.2 billion. The two states currently have $5.5 billion in state and federal funding committed to the project.
At a news conference in Vancouver, Washington, on Tuesday, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, with a contractor expected to be selected in 2027. He emphasized the urgency of moving forward on the 109-year-old structure, which carries more than 140,000 vehicles daily over the Columbia River. “There are two things that are certain: We must replace this bridge, and number two, delaying a major project has never made costs go down,” Ferguson said. The latest cost estimate includes the replacement of the northbound and southbound spans over the Columbia River, new connections to I-5, and an extension of light rail service into downtown Vancouver. Officials said the higher cost reflects inflation, construction industry price increases, and a $2.4 billion contingency cushion.In addition to the bridge itself, the program includes updating a five-mile stretch of the I-5 corridor, rebuilding seven interchanges, and replacing the North Portland Harbor Bridge. “We will continue to work toward the larger corridor down the road in phases, as funding becomes available,” Ferguson said. “But our focus right now is getting this bridge built.” The project received a boost in January when the U.S. Coast Guard approved plans for a fixed-span bridge, a design that eliminates the need for bridge lifts. Officials estimate the fixed span will save approximately $1.7 billion compared to a movable structure. Labor leaders from both states voiced strong support, citing high unemployment in the skilled trades. Heather Kurtenbach, executive secretary of the Washington State Building Trades, called the project “a once-in-a-generation investment in working people.”Project officials said the bridge is expected to be operational six to seven years after construction begins, with the final timeline to be confirmed once a contractor is on board.New estimates reveal the I-5 replacement bridge could cost $7.8 billion as WA and OR officials push for project initiation.As the FIFA World Cup in Seattle draws near, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is wrapping up its roughly $399 million expansion project on Concourse C.Walla Walla ferry crew rescues people clinging to capsized sailboatNorthbound I‑405 reopens early in Bothell amid major corridor upgradesChrystal Ortega's tireless dedication recently earned her the WSECU Community Champions Award and a $1,000 grant to further the mission.When Shawn Tibbitts opened Tibbitts FernHill, he was just trying to survive. The small Tacoma restaurant has since earned culinary awards and praise.Wilcox Family Farms is continuing its cherished holiday tradition of giving back by donating nearly one million eggs to food banks across the South Sound region this season.Matthew Ballantyne has transformed that early awareness into action, embodying the organization's mission:"No Kid Sleeps On The Floor In Our Town."Discover Kitsap County’s creative soul: Where Nordic charm meets gothic gardens and ancient traditions thrive Kitsap County is full of wonderfully weird, authentically artsy, and unexpectedly magical corners that make visitors become locals and locals never want to leave.
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