Point being, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is dirt cheap, a drop in the ocean compared to the money we spend on automobile-specific infrastructure, it saves human lives, makes our city more equitable and enjoyable for everyone, and yet it’s still “too expensive.”

I think somehow we have to get over that idea.

I doubt if Ted wants to have that debate, because he would have to explain why his bridge’s interchange with Highway 43 ALONE costs $30 million more than TriMet’s entire new span of the same length, which must carry twice the loads as Sellwood.

I have followed CRC, Sellwood, and TriMet’s bridge projects. ODOT funds and controls planning for CRC and Sellwood, and–surprise–both are bloated beyond any realistic needs. TriMet’s design keeps getting better and cheaper; Fred Hansen and Vera Katz are running a very tight project indeed.

Nice to have you on the Planning Commission. Keep up the fine work!

The bike plan is about 1 1/2 times the estimated Sellwood cost of about $300M.

Of course, getting the Sellwood done is an important to the bike plan, it’s a key connector.

The present proposal, courtesy of Ted Wheeler, Mike Pullen, et. al., acting at the behest of the Oregon Department of Transportation, seems aimed at a full four-lane connector between Highway 99 and Highway 43, right through Sellwood along Tacoma Street.

Otherwise, would anyone in his/her right mind allocate 37 feet for “pedestrians and cyclists?” It is a full four-lane bridge, five at the west end.

To understand what a proper replacement bridge at Sellwood ought to be head out to the new span to Sauvie Island: plenty of room for motor vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists; cost of $38 million; about half the length required for the crossing at Sellwood. Double the length and the cost and it still is less than $100 million.