The Coast Guard has approved a new plan for the replacement of the Interstate 5 Bridge over the Columbia River, allowing for a fixed-span design. This decision is expected to save around $1 billion on the project, which has faced significant cost escalations, now projected to reach as high as $17 billion. Records indicate that the budget for the bridge replacement has more than doubled, prompting calls for accountability from local officials. The new fixed-span design will not include a movable portion, which was a factor contributing to the initial higher costs. This change comes amidst concerns about how $140 million might be allocated to offset the impact of the bridge design on local companies.