I've always thought this idea very naïve (I go past their offices almost daily and see the comically general map of their "plan".) It seems to be just a variation of the discredited Belt Route model.

But as long as we're dreaming, being a North Portlander, I'd rather have another bridge over the Willamette from about Mock's Crest into Northwest (transit-only would be awesome). That would probably shave 15 minutes off my bike (or bus) commute while letting me avoid Greeley (aka Truckasaurus Ave).

I don't know that i'm totally opposed to a third crossing but I'm not a proponent. And I think a picture like this http://thirdbridgenow.com/DOWNVANC3_1.jpg is exactly the kind of 50's thinking that is the road to yesterday. Bisecting downtown Vancouver into like this would only sever to make it less desirable and make Clark Co. more of a bedroom community. I would love to see more economic development in Vancouver to bring long term jobs to downtown and make the areas that are covered by the obscene orgy of concrete in the pic a community where people want to live and work. It't funny they don't have any pictures of what kind of monstrosity would be passing through St. Johns on their page.

Oh and I just noticed that this image must be old because right where it all comes together there is now a new 4 or 5 story building.

My recollection is that they brought in Randal O'Toole (or some other pro-roads guy) to advise on design issues....leading to the ridiculous design Ken linked to.

I think they're on the right track about the need for another bridge (actually several), but that they should be arterial bridges, not freeway. A new bridge along N Portland Rd for example, coupled with a new Willamette River bridge just south of Sauvie Isl, could provide a little relief to I-5 and improve freight connections, without inducing a ton of traffic. But designing it like a freeway is a sure way to kill any proposal.

Oh and I just noticed that this image must be old because right where it all comes together there is now a new 4 or 5 story building.

I've had conversations with Sharon Nassett where the drawing came up, yes it was done before the building was built. I've heard the new idea is to go north of the building.

Not for nothing is this hooliganism known as The "Great Wall of Vancouver".