Wilsonville greenlights major I5 bridge replacement project

The City of Wilsonville has officially approved Resolution Number 3169, which endorses the I-5 Boone Bridge Replacement Project. This initiative aims to enhance public safety and traffic management by constructing a seismically resilient bridge over the Willamette River, addressing significant operational issues and improving connections for various modes of transportation, including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Public and Government Affairs Director Mark Ottenett presented the resolution, highlighting the urgent need for the bridge replacement due to its vulnerability to earthquakes and the adverse effects of traffic congestion on safety and travel reliability. The project is designed to alleviate these issues while also supporting climate resiliency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with Oregon's statewide transportation strategy.

The Boone Bridge project is part of the Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) program, initiated by an executive order in 2020 to mitigate climate change impacts while considering the needs of vulnerable communities. The CFEC rules influence transportation and housing planning in regions with populations exceeding 50,000, including the Portland metro area.

The proposed project includes a new southbound auxiliary lane extending over half a mile, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety. An alternatives review report was also presented, examining various options such as enhanced bike and pedestrian connections, public transportation improvements, and transportation demand management strategies. However, the report concluded that while these alternatives are beneficial, they alone would not sufficiently address the primary goals of safety and congestion relief.

The city council's approval of the resolution allows the project to advance to the next phase, which will be incorporated into Wilsonville's updated transportation systems plan. This marks a significant step forward in addressing the transportation challenges faced by the community while promoting sustainable practices.