I-5 bridge height could cost companies millions

Planners working on a proposed Interstate 5 replacement bridge over the Columbia River estimate three manufacturers upriver could lose $30 million to $116 million in profits because they won’t be able to get some of their big products under the span.

The manufacturers fabricate giant devices such as oil drilling rigs and dam gates. They say the estimates of the damage to their businesses are too low.

The Oregonian reports the bridge planners released the estimates Tuesday.

The U.S. Coast Guard said the original bridge design was too low, and the planners from Washington state and Oregon raised the height.

But they say it’s too expensive to design a lift span, and too late if the project is to stay on track with federal funds critical to the project.