Vancouver and Clark County have several large projects moving from planning into real construction. Dates are estimates and can change.

I-5 Bridge replacement

This is the project most likely to affect daily life if you cross the river.

Key details

• Construction expected: 2026
• Timeline: 4 to 6 years (could run longer)
• Estimated cost: up to $7.5B
• Tolling expected: 2027 (on the current bridge)
• Light rail planned: Expo Road (Portland) to Evergreen Blvd (Vancouver)

What to plan for

• More work zones and slower peak commutes as staging ramps up
• Budget for tolls starting in 2027
• Check official updates if you’re making a job or housing move based on commute time.

Light rail (why people debate it)

Light rail is a train system that runs on tracks and stops at stations.

• Supporters want a reliable option that is not stuck in traffic.
• Critics focus on cost and station-area impacts (like parking).

Downtown + Vancouver Waterfront

The goal is a more connected downtown-to-river area with housing, shops, and public space.

Waterfront Gateway District

• Broke ground: summer 2025
• Planned: 420+ residential units, plus retail and community space
• Main impact: better connection between Esther Short and the waterfront

Vancouver Waterfront buildout

Recent progress mentioned:

• Parking garage, The Springs senior living, more apartments finishing, more ground-floor restaurant/retail space

Timeline note:

• Officials have discussed a target around 2030 for full buildout

Terminal 1

• Open now: Terminal 1 building + ZoomInfo HQ
• Next: dock upgrades (steel pilings) + public market concept (partly over the water)
• Market timing estimate: 2028 to 2029
• In 2026, watch for: planning steps, early site work, and tenant/operator announcements

The Heights District (Tower Mall site)

• 63 acres, about 1,800 housing units (mostly apartments)
• Retail/commercial + community gathering spaces
• Infrastructure upgrades planned (sidewalks, trees, lighting; bike-friendly intent)
• Affordable housing emphasis
• Construction may start late 2026 (not guaranteed)

Vancouver Innovation Center (Fisher’s Landing)

• Between 172nd and 192nd, built around the former HP campus
• $10M+ invested with renovations and new tenants (job growth)
• 14+ acre park: land sold to the city in 2025
• Apartments: site work/dirt moving underway
• Possible new west entrance + roundabout (depends on HOA land coordination)

Columbia Palisades + Highest Point

Columbia Palisades

• The Vantage is mostly open (Chipotle, Starbucks, Quarry Public House, OnPoint Credit Union, Clash Beauty Collective)
• Planned: 3-story Class A mixed-use office building
• Planned: 102-unit Alister apartments expected to break ground in 2026
• Kirkland condo/apartment project: showing movement again

Highest Point (Camas/Washougal)

• Construction started in 2025
• Phase one: 4 buildings, 276+ units, 56,000 sq ft retail/office
• Target opening: summer 2027
• Future phases: athletic club (Lifetime-style) + senior living

Ridgefield Waterfront

• 41-acre waterfront redevelopment
• City and port partnership; planning and cleanup workhaves been underway for years.
• Expected mix: housing, retail, likely hotel, and strong public access to the water
• Potential benefit: more activity that supports downtown Ridgefield businesses

How to track real progress in 2026

• City council agendas and approvals
• Port updates (especially for Ridgefield and Terminal 1)
• Permitting and environmental milestones
• Timeline updates (re-check every few months)

Quick takeaways

• If you commute over the river, expect delays as work ramps up and plan for tolls in 2027.
• If you want walkable destinations: downtown and the waterfront, keep adding housing and retail through about 2030.
• If you’re watching growth areas, central Vancouver (Heights), Fisher’s Landing, Camas/Washougal, and Ridgefield are the main ones to track.