Oregon DOT shuts down bridge project due to lack of funding

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced it's shutting down the Columbia River Crossing project because the Oregon Legislature adjourned last week without approving funding to build a new Interstate 5 and light-rail bridge into Washington.

ODOT officials announced late last week that the department will cease the project's planning and begin the process of an "orderly archival and closeout," according to a press release.

"Expenditures will be reduced immediately; further design and deliverable development will not occur. The project will shut down completely by May 31," ODOT officials said.

ODOT, the Washington State Department of Transportation and Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon staff involved in the project will be "demobilized," they said.

"We will issue stop work orders on consultant contracts on or before March 15, including instructions to record the current status of the work product and contract amendments to archive work products and conduct contract closeout," ODOT officials said.

In addition, the department will close out intergovernmental agreements in place with agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Multnomah County Drainage District.