"Funding Boost and Rising Costs in Focus as Washington Senators Inspect I-5 Bridge"
The cost to replace the Interstate 5 bridge connecting Washington and Oregon is expected to rise beyond the previously estimated $5 to $7.5 billion due to inflation in construction costs. Program leader Greg Johnson announced that a new cost estimate will be released in the summer, as the project faces "continuing creep of costs." The project, which includes reconstructing 11 miles of road and rebuilding seven interchanges, has secured $600 million in federal grants and is seeking additional federal funding. Both Oregon and Washington have pledged $1 billion each, and tolls will also contribute to the funding. U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell have expressed commitment to securing the necessary funds for the bridge replacement.