Oregon Public Broadcasting

Supporters and opponents of the proposed Columbia River Crossing responded  Tuesday to Congressman Peter Defazio’s latest criticisms of the bridge.

The Springfield Democrat told the Portland Tribune that “what has been designed so far is sort of the optimal project, and we can’t afford that.”

What's on the drawing board is a 12-lane, $4 billion replacement for the I-5 bridge over the Columbia River.

Some opponents of the project were pleased with DeFazio's comment.

But Michelle Poyourow, with the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, says the statement doesn’t fix the fundamental problem she has with the bridge.

Michelle Poyourow: “This doesn’t change the debate for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance or the communities that we hear from in the region that are so unhappy with this project. It doesn’t change the nature of the project, it might just change the price tag.”

Defazio also says the bridge will likely require tolls and need to include the MAX light rail system.

Supporters of the bridge says his comments aren't a surprise and are consistent with what public officials including Portland Mayor Sam Adams and Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard have said in the past.