The estimated cost for the Interstate 5 Bridge replacement project connecting Oregon and Washington has skyrocketed, with new estimates suggesting expenses could exceed $14 billion, double the original projections. Both governors of Washington and Oregon have recommitted to the project despite this significant budget increase, now set at $14.4 billion. The scope of the project has been scaled back, with freeway expansions being removed for now as officials grapple with rising costs. Additional concerns have been raised about the potential delays in the completion timeline, originally scheduled to start construction in 2028. Transportation watchdogs and local economists express skepticism regarding the feasibility and efficiency of the project, further adding to the debate surrounding this major infrastructure initiative.