The The report (PDF 3.3M) offers four different configurations of bus options (on pages 4-2 to 4-4, PDF, 134K) and recommends that all four be studied. They basically differ in the amount and configuration of dedicated facilities for the buses. I can’t quibble, they’re all options that should be studied (even if I am a…

Besides the multi-modal non-freeway bridge, this is probably the most disappointing assessment (pages 4-6 and 4-7, PDF 93K) in the screening report (PDF 3.3M). The conclusion is not to include high speed rail because it doesn’t serve regional needs. That’s sort of like saying we should never have built PDX because it doesn’t do much…

The tunnel options are discussed on pages 5-7 to 5-9 and 5-13 and 5-14 (PDF, 156K) of the screening report (PDF 3.3M). The idea is to have a tunnel that goes underground somewhere before Marine Drive and surfaces around Mill Plain Blvd., bypassing Hayden Island. Staff gives this a thumbs up a supplement to the…

AORTA’s critique of the Columbia River Crossing Draft Components Step A Screening Report (March 22, 2006) The report claims the Non-Freeway Multi-Modal Columbia River Crossing (Figure 5-23) failed component screening questions Q.1, Q.3, Q.4 and Q.6, assumes “it is not feasible to raise the existing I-5 Bridges” and recommends dropping commuter rail from further consideration.…

The non-Freeway crossings are described on pages 5-9 and 5-21 to 5-24 (PDF 847K) of the report (PDF 3.3M). The staff analysis seems to amount to: well, that’s nice, but unless you do freeway improvements as well, you don’t meet the purpose and need of the project. Here’s the direct quote: It does not significantly…