16 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER August 2022
Metro concerned about bridge project
Councilors question impact of wider span that includes auxiliary lane
By COREY BUCHANAN Pamplin MEDIA GROUP
Metro councilors ’ questions about whether the Boone Bridge replacement project would lead to higher I-5 traffic volumes and contribute to urban sprawl and greenhouse gas emissions may need to be answered prior to the allocation of funding .
In a March meeting of the regional government related to the approval of more money for the Oregon Department of Transportation to study the project , Metro councilors expressed concerns about the proposal for a wider replacement bridge that would make room for an auxiliary lane running from the Wilsonville Road exit to the Highway 551 exit . Many of their qualms related to how an increase in I-5 capacity would impact areas south of the Willamette River including Canby , Donald and French Prairie .
“ Those comprehensive impacts all boil down to what the impacts of a wider bridge are and how many more people are using a wider bridge ,” said Nick Christensen , a Metro communications staffer .
Advocating for an auxiliary lane to be built on the stretch of I-5 near Wilsonville as a way to alleviate the traffic bottleneck has been one of the Wilsonville government ’ s biggest focuses over the past decade .
In January 2021 , an ODOT report
showed that the bridge needed to be replaced rather than retrofitted and that the project would cost between $ 450 million and $ 550 million .
The work would include making the bridge more sustainable in case of a large-scale earthquake or natural disaster , as well as adding the southbound auxiliary lane and extending the existing northbound auxiliary lane . ODOT is planning for construction to begin in 2027 and for the project to be completed by 2030 . However , funding has not yet been determined .
Wilsonville had worked hard to lobby legislators to allocate money for the project and the Legislature doled out $ 3.7 million for an engineering study . ODOT has said the completion of the study would make the project more competitive for state and federal investment . However , the Metro council would need to approve the project ’ s inclusion into the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program for it to receive funding , ODOT staffer Mandy Putney said . During the
The goal of the project to replace the Boone Bridge along I-5 near Wilsonville would be to alleviate traffic congestion and make the bridge seismically resilient .
PMG FILE PHOTO
March meeting , Councilors Christine Lewis , Shirley Craddick and Mary Nolan , in particular , were not yet convinced about the merits of the project .
“ This is such an important decision . This project really rises to a scary level . Metro was created to help contain this urban sprawl to keep it within a contained boundary for our livelihood , our economy , the Portland part of the state and our agricultural lands . ... This project has a significant impact in putting all that at risk ,” Craddick said at the meeting . She later added : “ We know the widening of these freeways leads to more traffic . What impact does that have to greenhouse gas emissions ?”
They also wanted to ensure that the project had adequate bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure .
However , Metro councilors agreed during the meeting to add more money for the engineering study with the idea that their questions would be addressed by ODOT .
Golf club
� From Page 15
idents and that has led to great friendships . The game of golf has provided all of us with some common ground to start and maintain these friendships , and added a little family honor competition all to have FUN . No matter what skill level , the atmosphere for golf at Charbonneau emphasizes people having fun .
Our sons also enjoy golf and it is a great family outing . Here are a few reasons I think golf can contribute to family fun :
� The game is generational . I see young children playing proficiently and I play with gentlemen well into their nineties in our Men ’ s Club . It is a lifetime sport where age and gender don ’ t matter .
� Golf teaches both physical and character-building skills . You develop hand-eye coordination . You learn “ discipline , patience , respect and individualism . There is prestige to the game of golf because of its desire for honesty ”.
� Golf can be played in groups or all by yourself . I know from experience that friendships are created on a golf course , but I can also have fun just competing against myself .
� Golf offers family time away from life ’ s electronics and an opportunity to walk together in what is usually the best looking outdoor real estate in the area .
So , if golf is new to you , I encourage you to give it a shot . We have a great course with a length that appeals to both beginners and accomplished players . If you are already a steady player , Debbie and I look forward to teeing it up with you sometime in the future .
Community Information Day “ Americana ” STOP BY EACH BOOTH TO PICK UP A RAFFLE TICKET FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
Charbonneau has many opportunities for you to enjoy an active lifestyle . Come to this Community event and you will learn about the Golf Club , Tennis Club , Fitness Center , Exercise Classes , Art Classes , Arts Festival , Bridge , Mah Jongg , Special Events and more ….. Newcomers are invited to attend a short orientation meeting at 4:30 Friday , Aug 12 , 5:00-7:00 pm . For more information , email Jennifer @ charbonneaucountryclub . com