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I-5 Delta Park To Get New Lanes, Interchanges

.I-5 traffic is a drag, especially at Delta-Lombard, a major traffic bottleneck that leads to severe congestion, safety and operational problems. The problems on this segment of I-5 also seriously affect regional accessibility and commerce. The need for this project was identified as one of several highway, transit and freight projects recommended by the I-5 Transportation and Trade Partnership, an effort of community leaders and citizens from both states.

This project will provide improvements for I-5 from approximately Victory Boulevard to the Lombard interchange. Phase I will add a new south bound lane (third lane) and widened shoulders in both directions for safety, and reconfigures the Columbia Blvd. interchange. Phase II will add a new north bound access to I-5 from Columbia Blvd.

The project decision process was guided by a Citizen Advisory Committee and an Environmental Justice Work Group. A hearings panel was assembled of ODOT, Vancouver and Portland representatives including Commissioner Sam Adams. A major challenge of the project was to provide freight access to the Columbia Corridor while not impacting neighborhoods, notably Kenton, and other residential areas adjacent to I-5.

Phase II considered four alternatives and "Alternative 2-Argyle on the Hill" was chosen as the Locally Preferred Alternative. This will include a new roadway connection from Columbia Blvd. to a rebuilt Denver Avenue viaduct.

The Federal Highway Administration has greenlighted the project, which will permit it to proceed to construction. Phase I is scheduled to begin construction within the next two years. Phase II's initial design work and right-of-way acquisition is starting, though Sam is still finding funds for construction.

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