The Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council, in partnership with the Oregon and Washington Departments of Transportation and local cities and counties, have begun the second phase of a study of alternatives for a new or improved Highway 35 Columbia River crossing. The first phase of this effort was completed last year, resulting in vision and mission statements for the study and these four possible alternative crossings:
Stanley Rock: connecting Koberg State Park to Bingen Point
Low Corridor: approximately the same alignment as the current bridge
High Corridor: approximately the same alignment as the current bridge but at a much higher elevation; connecting from Button Junction to Jewett Boulevard (SR-141)
West Hood River Interchange: connecting I-84 in Oregon to SR-14 in Washington
A consulting team led by Parsons-Brinckerhoff was recently hired to assist with the study. The study is organized into three tiers. Each tier will include the option to proceed to a more detailed evaluation or determine that a new crossing is not feasible.
The outcome of the study will be an improved understanding of the potential benefits and drawbacks of a new or improved crossing, short and long term recommendations for improvements, and an implementation and funding strategy.
The public will be asked to help identify the pertinent, high-priority issues as alternative designs for a new or improved crossing are studied. These factors have been identified to date:
- Visual impacts/aesthetics
- River traffic/navigation
- Tolls
- Bridge and traffic operations
- Safety
- Accommodating a variety of uses and alternative transportation options
- Endangered Species Act and other environmental issues
- Maintenance and operation
- Connections to I-84 and SR-14
- Effects on the local and regional economy
- Cost and financing
- Commercial needs
- Location
The SR-35 Columbia River crossing serves communities in Oregon and Washington in many ways. It helps connect people to their jobs, friends, recreational, shopping and other activities. It provides a vital transportation link for businesses on both sides of the river to send and receive their products and materials. Not only how it functions, but its appearance is very important. The public’s participation in reviewing and refining crossing alternatives is essential. Please plan to:
- Attend community meetings and open houses
- Request presentations to your neighborhood, business and civic groups
- Complete questionnaires such as one attached to this brochure
- Engage in projects that involve school children
- View displays in community buildings in Bingen, Hood River and White Salmon
The first in a series of public events to discuss issues and possible impacts of this project will be held on:
Thursday, October 12, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Hood River Inn in the River View Room. The Inn is located on the Columbia River at the south end of the Hood River Bridge, adjacent to exit 64, off I-84.
This meeting will offer opportunities to:
- Learn more about the study
- Identify important issues that should be considered as the study proceeds
- Ask questions and make comments
- Tell us how you would like to be involved
- Obtain information about other transportation studies that affect residents and business people on both sides of the river
As a first step in helping identify and prioritize study issues, we request you fill out, detach, fold and mail the questionnaire on the following pages.
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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