A coalition of groups–1000 Friends of Oregon, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, Environment Oregon, and Coalition for a Livable Future–have joined forces to oppose the current slate of options for a new Columbia River Crossing.
They’ve pulled together a press conference for tomorrow (at Piccolo Park between Division and Clinton, probably chosen because the property was slated to become part of the Mt. Hood Freeway, another ill-advised project that Portlanders smartly stopped).
Their message? “The groups are calling for updated analysis on global warming, increased auto dependence, and funding for basic transportation needs to ensure the Portland Metro region gets the transportation investments it needs to thrive.” Sounds about right to me.
What time is the press conference?
9 am!
Although I agree with the goals to curb auto transportation in favor of alternatives, the current bridge won’t do anything to meet the goals. In fact, gridlock will only get worse and the air quality from idle traffic will suffer as a result. If we replace the I-5 bridge, we at least have some hope of encouraging light rail, bus and low-emission vehicle use through peak time tolling.
Supporting the Columbia River Crossing project is THE environmental solution to a major Portland headache.