Oregon Public Broadcasting

A group advising the construction of a new I-5 bridge over the Columbia, is scheduled to vote Monday. But as Kristian Foden-Vencil reports, some elected officials have already announced their preferences.

An artist's rendering of the proposed I-5 bridge.

Metro president David Bragdon and Portland Mayor Sam Adams, wrote a letter Friday saying a 10-lane bridge would work just as well as a 12-lane bridge -- and be cheaper. They also said which interchange they'd prefer at Hayden Island.

While they've jumped the gun on the vote, Carley Francis with the Columbia River Crossing Project, says their desires mirror staff recommendations.

Carley Francis: "Especially having some closure on Hayden Island is really exciting and we're glad that we've been able to find a way forward with the community. So we're excited about that."

Bragdon and Adams are only two of eight on the Project Sponsors Council.

Monday is their first meeting after an independent panel found they need to display courage -- particularly regarding tolls and how to pay for the bridge. 

Bragdon and Adams say they now support going forward because local agencies are being included. They say that's a change from previously when decisions were made without quote: "meaningful local involvement."