Here's the latest on the Columbia River Crossing from the Mercury. It's a step in the right direction... i.e. asking intelligent questions but it's too limited a discussion (how many lanes) and still doesn't tackle the need for a much more radical rethink using the best design and engineering minds the world has to offer. For perspective, saving 50 million on a 4 billion dollar project isn't any kind of real shift. What it does mean is Portland's mayor is looking to create traction amongst the two state governors who really control this wayward project. My initial take on the Columbia River Crossing still stands. We should also figure out how to get more than a half billion in federal funds for what could be a showcase project for a new energy relationship.

What I'd almost like to see happen is something similar to the big stall that just occurred with the Memorial Coliseum. It's not like the need for the bridge will go away but with additional urgency a delayed project might actually employ the some forward thinking design that would justify the inevitably high cost of the project. A major architect can sell this thing to the public because it's their job to bring together people through a convincing design... it's how they accomplish otherwise impossible projects. The whole "# of lanes" discussion is still a blind man's elephant.

Lastly, the outcome of Oregon's upcoming governor's race could be the real deal changer here...