Activists fight I-5 expansion through Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Transportation and environmental activists are calling on Portland city officials to reject a proposed Interstate 5 expansion aimed at reducing crashes and congestion.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported (http://bit.ly/2f8O9xZ ) on Thursday that more than 350 people and 26 groups have a signed a letter asking the city to not support the $450 million expansion through the heart of Portland.

Activists say the project would prompt city residents to drive more, causing more pollution and not fixing the congestion issue.

The Oregon Department of Transportation proposed the project, and department officials say it would address one of the state’s worst highway bottlenecks and save commuters time on the roadway.

The expansion was among the projects singled out for funding in the state Legislature’s $5.3 billion transportation package earlier this year.