Draft Environmental
Impact Statement

The Columbia River Crossing project analyzed the potential environmental and community effects of five alternatives against the project’s goals identified in the Statement of Purpose and Need. The results of the analyses are described in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which was published on May 2, 2008. An errata document was issued on May 23, 2008 to correct or clarify errors that were in the Draft EIS. The Errata is considered part of the Draft EIS.

The Draft EIS helps the public and decision-makers compare alternatives. Project sponsors considered the CRC Task Force recommendation, the Draft EIS and public feedback when selecting one alternative as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). The LPA includes three elements: river crossing, transit mode and transit terminus. In July 2008, project partners selected a replacement bridge with light rail that extends to Clark College as the LPA.

The Final EIS, expected to be published in late 2009, will describe additional analysis of potential environmental and community effects of the project. The document will also provide responses to comments received on the Draft EIS during the 60-day comment period.

Draft EIS comments are available in the online library or can be requested on CD by contacting the project office. Over 1,600 comments were received, for ease of providing comments online they have been compiled by date.

Draft EIS Alternatives

No build
Serves as a baseline for comparison with other alternatives. The existing Interstate Bridge and public transit systems would remain. The only transportation system changes assumed are those identified as likely to receive funding and be constructed in the Metro and southwest Washington regional transportation plans.

Replacement bridge with bus rapid transit
The Interstate Bridge would be replaced with new bridge structures and would have a lane for bus rapid transit and a lane for foot and bicycle traffic, potentially located on a separate structure.

Replacement bridge with light rail
The Interstate Bridge would be replaced with new bridge structures and would have a lane for light rail and a lane for foot and bicycle traffic, potentially located on a separate structure.

Supplemental bridge with bus rapid transit
A new bridge would be built for southbound vehicles. The new bridge also would have a lane for bus rapid transit. The existing Interstate Bridge would be re-striped for northbound traffic. Pedestrians and bicyclists would have a lane on the existing bridge.

Supplemental bridge with light rail
A new bridge would be built for southbound vehicles. The new bridge would have a lane for light rail. The existing Interstate Bridge would be re-striped for northbound traffic. Pedestrians and bicyclists would have a lane on the existing bridge.

Order Your Own Copy

A Draft EIS summary or an electronic version of the Draft EIS may be obtained for free by contacting the Columbia River Crossing project office. A printed copy of the complete document may be purchased
for $50.

E-mail: feedback@columbiarivercrossing.org
Mail: 700 Washington Street, Suite 300, Vancouver, WA 98660
Fax: 360-737-0294
Toll free telephone: 866-396-2726
TTY/Relay Service: 711

Public Hearings and Open Houses

Two public hearings on the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement were held in May 2008. Each hearing was held in conjunction with an informational open house. In addition, informal events were held throughout the Draft EIS public comment period to provide additional opportunities for residents and commuters to talk directly with technical staff and learn about the CRC project and Draft EIS results. Topics of interest to specific stakeholder groups were highlighted as well as how to comment on the Draft EIS. Materials presented at these events may be found on the Public Hearings and Open Houses page.