Those in attendance at the Spring Open House identified study needs and expected outcomes. The results of the group's straw poll ranking of the most critical of these items are listed below.
Best location for a new bridge 15 Logical entity to operate a new bridge 15 Alternate transportation methods 14 Make it part of Fed Hwy System 10 Adequate width 10 Traffic flow projections 8 Financing methods/options 7 Life expectancy/life span of bridge 6 Growth projections/modeling 5 Noise minimization 4 Obsolete design/commercial use 4 Interim: what to do with bridge 3 Consider aesthetics 3 Accountability of input/decision-making 3 Economic benefits of free bridge 3 Tunnel or other options 2 Most cost effective way of making the change 1 Language barriers/translator 1 Impacts to barge traffic/river 1 Cost to replace bridge 1 Cost of intersection/change 1 Growth of tourism 0 Input from the Open House formed the basis of the detailed workplan now being developed for the Feasibility Study.
The SR-35 Columbia River Crossing Feasibility Study is the result of a local grass roots effort by a wide range of individuals who are interested in the near and distant future of the White Salmon, Bingen and Hood River region. This Purpose and Need Statement has been developed through a collaborative public and stakeholder process.
Preserve the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge with a new or improved bridge that supports the region's diverse economy and provides safe travel capacity for automobiles, trucks, recreation vehicles, river traffic, pedestrians and bicycles.
The SR-35 Columbia River Crossing Feasibility Study will provide information concerning the operation and maintenance needs necessary for the current bridge by drawing upon existing studies and information. The study will also provide improvement alternatives to build consensus on an implementation approach that will ensure a suitable Columbia River crossing for the 21st century.
Problems and needs associated with the existing bridge identified by the public include:
- the lack of bicycle and pedestrian facilities,
- structural adequacy of the existing bridge,
- adequate maintenance, long lines accessing the bridge,
- narrow travel lanes,
- financial hardships and fairness of paying a toll, and
- uncertainty of the remaining service life.
In order to address these problems and needs, the feasibility study will address the following general categories:
- Address perceived problems with the adequacy, operation and maintenance of the existing bridge for the short-term, and
- Analyze impacts and find solutions to provide a cross-river transportation link for the long-term.
The desired outcomes of the feasibility study are:
- an increased understanding of the current and future river crossing conditions and needs,
- agreement on short term status and recommendations, and
- local consensus and momentum to work toward long term crossing solutions.
The feasibility study will be implemented in phases with each phase containing clearly defined decision criteria on whether or not to proceed with the next phase.
February 1999 Scoping PhaseKick-off March 1999 Stakeholder Interviews & Open House May 1999 Purpose & Needs Statement June 1999 Project Update Newsletter July 1999 Scope of Work January 2000 Feasibility Study Kick-off
E-mail or phone:
Dale Robins
Regional Transportation Council
1351 Officers Row, Vancouver WA 98661
Tel: 360-397-6067
Fax: 360-696-1847
       
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