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Interstate Bridge

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description Interstate Bridge Overview

The Interstate Bridge is a pair of steel cantilever truss spans carrying Interstate 5 over the Columbia River between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. The original span, opened in 1917, now carries southbound traffic, while a parallel northbound span opened in 1958. The bridges include vertical lift sections to accommodate river navigation. The crossing is administered by the Oregon and Washington transportation departments and has been the subject of replacement planning.

help Interstate Bridge FAQ

Where does the Interstate Bridge cross the Columbia River?

The Interstate Bridge carries I-5 between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. It consists of two steel spans crossing the Columbia River and provides a major connection between the two metropolitan areas. [HistoryLink](https://www.historylink.org/File/20952)

When were the two Interstate Bridge spans built?

The original span opened in February 1917, and the parallel span opened on July 1, 1958. The two structures later became one-way crossings for northbound and southbound I-5 traffic. [HistoryLink](https://www.historylink.org/File/20951)

Which direction does each Interstate Bridge span carry?

The original 1917 span carries northbound traffic, while the 1958 span carries southbound traffic. Both spans include lift sections that can be raised for river traffic. [HistoryLink](https://www.historylink.org/File/20952)

Why is the Interstate Bridge often discussed for replacement?

The crossing is more than a century old in part because the original span dates to 1917, and the corridor carries heavy daily traffic. Regional agencies have pursued replacement planning because of congestion, seismic vulnerability, and the need for modern transit and freight capacity. [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/e6ee03f36359484e75d386080ae73953)

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