The Interstate Bridge is far more than just a crossing, it’s a lifeline linking Oregon and Washington, powering regional economies and connecting us to global trade routes. But with one span now over a century old and vulnerable to collapse in a major earthquake, it’s time for bold action. That’s where the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) comes in. This transformative effort will deliver a modern, earthquake-resilient, multimodal bridge designed to meet the demands of today and tomorrow — improving safety, easing congestion, and moving people and goods more efficiently across the Columbia River.
Beyond improving transportation for both states, this project presents a tremendous opportunity for our region’s workforce and economy. Delivering the investments proposed by the IBR program will require thousands of workers skilled in trades ranging from concrete and steel to project management and quality assurance. A skilled and diverse workforce that is ready to meet the challenges of the future is critical to the program’s success.
To better understand the construction labor market within the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area, the IBR program commissioned a study from our Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative (CWWC), to identify opportunities and gaps in the region’s workforce over the next several years. The workforce study found that the region’s workforce has shown strong growth in the last several years, but there are not enough workers who are women and people of color to meet the increasing demand for a more diverse workforce. This study identified more than 100 large public capital projects which will require approximately 22,000 construction workers, with average diversity goals suggesting a five-year demand for 3,800 apprentices, 4,700 people of color, and 2,500 female construction workers. The study is an important first step in the program’s efforts to being intentional in how it pursues impactful measures to enhance diversity and inclusion in the regional workforce. Read the full study here.
To support the workforce needs of the IBR project, Workforce Southwest Washington is partnering with our CWWC partners Clackamas Workforce Partnership and Worksystems, along with a highly trained and far-reaching network of career coaches at local WorkSource centers, local nonprofits, and our youth center, NEXT Success. Together, we’re helping job seekers gain the training and skills needed to secure high-paying, in-demand jobs, not only for the construction of the Interstate Bridge itself but also for surrounding bridges and infrastructure projects on both sides of the Columbia River into the future.
In addition to great opportunities for our regional workforce, the IBR project will create valuable prospects for small businesses and local contractors. The work will be delivered through a wide range of Construction Packages, varying in value from one million to one billion dollars and lasting up to ten years. Many of the smaller packages are well suited for local small businesses and contractors. To learn more about these contracting opportunities, businesses can visit https://interstatebridge.org/Opportunities.
Opening opportunities for job seekers and businesses in our region will not only strengthen our economy but also serve as the driving force behind the completion of the new Interstate Bridge, creating a safe and reliable connection between our two states. The need to train and equip the workforce of today and tomorrow has never been more urgent. We are committed to seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented by the IBR and advancing long-term economic prosperity for our region.
To learn more about job training and apprenticeships related to the IBR, visit their website: https://interstatebridge.org/DBEpartners
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