1: No-Build Alternative

Modest increases to C-TRAN's service hours for bus routes throughout Vancouver and Clark County to keep pace with anticipated changes in congestion.

Modest increases to TriMet's services hours for bus routes throughout north and northeast Portland to keep pace with anticipated changes in congestion.

Completion of the first phase of the South Corridor light rail project on the Portland Mall and I-205.

I-5 widening and improvements around Delta Park.

2: Replacement

crossing with bus rapid

transit

Exclusive bus lanes from the Expo Center, over Hayden Island, across the Columbia River, and to a terminus in Vancouver.

The exclusive bus lanes would extend 2.07–4.22 miles north from the Expo Center through Vancouver, and include five to seven transit stations and three to five structured or surface park and rides with up to 2,410 spaces, depending upon the transit terminus.

Introduction of a new bus rapid transit service, including a simplified payment method (e.g., the use of off-board  ticket vending machines) and 60-foot articulated vehicles with special markings to create a "branded identity.”

Expansion of the current C-TRAN bus maintenance facility in eastern Vancouver. Additional auxiliary lanes for traffic entering and/or exiting I-5 between Marine Drive and SR 500.

Changes to C-TRAN local bus routes to connect with the new bus guideway and park and rides. A toll would be charged on the I-5 crossing, with higher rates during peak travel periods.

27 bus rapid transit vehicles (60’ articulated buses) and 12 standard buses would be included in this alternative.

A new replacement crossing over the Columbia River, with either three separate bridges (two for

interstate traffic and a third for buses, bicycles, and pedestrians) or a "stacked highway/transit bridge” design that would include transit beneath the western highway bridge deck. (see the Multimodal RiverCrossing and highway improvements section below for more information on these designs).

Improvements to the following I-5 interchanges: Marine Drive, Hayden Island, SR 14, Mill Plain, Fourth Plain, and SR 500.

Additional auxiliary lanes for traffic entering and/or exiting I-5 between Marine Drive and SR 500.

A toll would be charged on the I-5 crossing, with higher rates during peak travel periods.

3: Replacement

crossing with light rail

Extension of the light rail guideway from the Expo Center over Hayden Island and across the Columbia River to a terminus in Vancouver. The light rail guideway would extend 2.07–4.22 miles north from the Expo Center, and would include five to seven transit stations and three to five structured or surface park and rides with up to 2,410 spaces, depending upon the transit terminus.

Changes to C-TRAN local bus routes to connect with the new light rail stations and park and rides.

Expansion of TriMet’s Ruby Junction light rail maintenance facility in Gresham.

Fourteen light rail vehicles and 27 standard buses would be included in this alternative.

Same highway features as Alternative 2.

This alternative was also modeled without a toll to determine the potential effects of tolling on traffic patterns.

4: Supplemental

crossing with bus rapid

transit

Same transit features as Alternative 2, but higher frequency operations of bus rapid transit and local bus routes.

This alternative would include 38 bus rapid transit vehicles and 143 standard buses.

A new, supplemental crossing for southbound interstate traffic and exclusive lanes for buses.

Both existing I-5 bridges would be re-striped for two lanes each to carry northbound I-5 traffic.

Seismic retrofits to the existing bridges.

Improvements to the following I-5 interchanges: Marine Drive, Hayden Island, SR 14, Mill Plain, Fourth Plain, and SR 500.

Additional auxiliary lanes (generally one less additional lane than Alternatives 2 and 3) for traffic

entering and/or exiting I-5 between Marine Drive and SR 500.

A toll would be charged on the I-5 crossing, with higher rates during peak travel periods. During these peak travel periods, the toll would be higher than with Alternatives 2 or 3.

5: Supplemental

crossing with light rail

Same transit features as Alternative 3, but higher frequency operations for light rail and for local bus routes.  This alternative would include 18 light rail vehicles and 147 standard buses.

Same highway features as Alternative 4.