The really sad thing is that building a bridge would only cost about $400 million - that is the cost of the I205 bridge after adjusting for inflation and the size difference. The other $3 billion is mostly for light rail:

1. The current design is for two double deck bridges, with the lower deck of one being light rail and the other bikes and pedestrians. Absent light rail, only one double bridge is needed like the Marquem bridge. Bike & ped can be on sidewalks. Chalk up ONE full bridge due to light rail - $400 million of light rail expense hidden in the highway ledger.

2.  The overpasses in Vancouver would have to be widened for light rail, and since they are not optimum, they apparently decided to rebuild them and charge it to the highway side of the ledger. Another $300 million of expense due to light rail.

3. Hayden Island does not need extensive rework for highway bridge. That is more light rail money put in the highway ledger. (The highway bridge would land at the South side of Hayden Island and the cost is included in the highway bridge.).  Another $200 million of light rail money in the highway ledger.

Bottom line is that of the 3.5 Billion, 3 Billion is there because of light rail and ½ billion because of the road.

That Metro, Portland city council, Vancouver city council, Washington legislature and C-Tran are willing to waste $3 billion to transport 1650 people(current transit riders) is unconscionable. That they are going to force working people $1000 er year to get to work is simply a criminal act by people who do not care who they hurt as long as they get their toys.

Thanks
JK