Oregon DOT Denied Funding for Freeway Expansion

Oct. 21, 2024
The agency is $900 million behind on the plan

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has rejected the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) request for $750 million in funding for the Rose Quarter Freeway Expansion. 

ODOT is at least $900 million behind on the plan to expand Interstate 5, which was estimated to cost between $1.5 - 1.9 billion. 

In April, the project’s plan to put a cap over the expansion secured a $450 million grant. This made up over half of the project’s available funds at the time. 

The Portland City Council approved a $800,000 grant from USDOT in August that went to the expansion project. 

A few months later, a key vote from Metro Council laid the groundwork for the first phase of that cap, allowing ODOT to “complete the design and construct the central segment of the cover around Broadway-Weidler to support reconnection for the Albina community,” according to a Metro press release. 

ODOT now has a significant budget gap for the Rose Quarter Freeway Expansion and the Interstate Bridge Replacement. The Joint Transportation Commission is working to develop a bailout for ODOT, which says it faces a large funding gap for both operations and capital projects. 

Source: Willamette Week, KOIN Portland

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.

Revolutionizing Concrete Protection - A Sustainable Solution for Lasting Durability

The concrete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is subject to several potential sources of damage including livestock biowaste, food/beverage waste, and freeze/thaw...

The Future of Concrete Preservation

PoreShield is a cost-effective, nontoxic alternative to traditional concrete sealers. It works differently, absorbing deep into the concrete pores to block damage from salt ions...