Oregon Public Broadcasting

After years of planning and meetings, a decisive vote is coming Tuesday on the future of the Interstate Bridge.

Monday, Clark County commissioners became the latest regional body to hear public testimony on the Columbia River Crossing project.

As Andrew Theen reports, the public comment period is drawing to a close, and all the major players are weighing in.

Those major players seem to be approaching consensus.  The Portland city council released a letter Monday offering unanimous support for the replacement bridge with light rail.

That's the most expensive option.  And the one most leaders are favoring.  But the Portland commissioners included a long list of recommendations.

They want the bridge to have as few lanes as possible, and they say the final project must be "an iconic structure."

The public comment period ends July 1st, and some critics are frustrated that local governments are voting before all the public testimony is in.

The 39-member Columbia River Crossing Task Force will vote Tuesday evening on its choice to deal with congestion and traffic on the Interstate Bridge.

The group took an informal poll months ago, and the replacement bridge with light rail was the overwhelming favorite.