Public commenter asks for I‑5 bridge inspection records and more bridges instead of replacement

Sharon Nasid, representing thirdbridgenow.org, used the meeting’s public comment period to press the commission for records and answers about the Interstate 5 bridge and other local bridges. Nasid said her organization has requested a FOIA listing of inspections, repair needs and estimated repair costs for the I‑5 bridges and said that elected officials and the public have asked for the structural condition information since project discussions began.

“I am Sharon Nasid. I'm with thirdbridgenow.org. We are a 501(c)(3),” she said. Nasid described a set of bridges across the Willamette, including bridges older than 1917 and 1957, and flagged recent maintenance closures on local bridges that have removed capacity. She asked why the project focuses on replacing a bridge rather than adding capacity or pursuing repairs as a short‑term fix and requested the commission help provide the inspection and repair list she had sought via FOIA. The chair thanked Nasid for her comments and closed the public comment period.