Oregon lawmakers push for new Columbia River bridge to curb Portland area traffic

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Two Oregon state lawmakers introduced a bill on Thursday to explore the possibility of building a new bridge across the Columbia River.

State Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Dundee) and Sen. Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook) introduced Senate Bill 1201, which would direct the Oregon Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study to potentially build a new Columbia River bridge west of the Interstate 5 and 205 bridges.

The senators said the bill marks a first step to assess whether this investment could ease congestion in the Portland metro area.

“An additional bridge over the Columbia River connecting Washington and Columbia counties to Clark County and I-5 west of Vancouver is exactly the investment that needs a full review,” stated Sen. Starr, vice-chair of the Joint Transportation Committee. “As leaders charged with developing transportation policy for the state, Senator Weber and I understand big challenges require forward thinking and addressing the future needs of our state. This bill is the first step in what will likely be a lengthy process.”

“This bridge would not only ease traffic for millions of Oregonians, but it would provide a lasting, multi-generational solution that will benefit our families and economy for years to come,” said Sen. Weber, who also serves on the Joint Transportation Committee.

The bill requires ODOT to complete the feasibility study and submit a report to the Joint Committee on Transportation by September 15, 2026.

The new bridge would be an extension of State Route 127 (Cornelius Pass Road) across State Highway 30 and connect to I-5 in Washington, the senators said.

Following the bill’s introduction on Thursday, SB 1201 has been referred to the Transportation Committee.