Oregon Public Broadcasting

This week city leaders in Portland and Vancouver and regional transit organizations decide whether to support a plan for a replacement bridge to relieve congestion on I-5.  As Andrew Theen reports, some are calling for more time and analysis.

A group of environmental justice advocates, cyclists and land use planners gathered in Southeast Portland near where the proposed Mt. Hood Expressway was slated to go before public outcry killed the project about 30 years ago.

These groups aren't calling for the death of the proposed Columbia River Crossing project, but they are concerned.

Jeremiah Baumann is with Environment Oregon.  He says the project limited its options from the start, ignored public comment, and made a "fundamental error" by omitting the impact of higher gas prices.

Jeremiah Baumann: "The 12-lane bridge amounts to a refusal to acknowledge the future and the looming threat of global warming, and a refusal to acknowledge the present and staggering gas prices mean Oregonians are looking to drive less, not more."

Baumann said any project needs to ensure an overall reduction of miles traveled.  And critics say the state departments of transportation have too much power over local authorities.