Region between Portland and Vancouver B.C. expected to grow by 3.4 million people by 2050: WSDOT

VANCOUVER Wash. (KPTV) - The Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking public input as it examines potential improvements to Interstate 5 and studies whether high-speed rail could serve the region between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Portland, Oregon.

The area, known as the Cascadia megaregion, is expected to grow by 3.4 million people by 2050, according to the department. Officials say the growth will put added pressure on the existing transportation system.

The department said it is examining significant improvements to I-5 alongside a study of high-speed rail as a possible travel option between Vancouver and Portland. No single mode of transportation can meet all of the region’s future travel needs, the agency said.

The work also includes considering how to preserve and improve the existing system, explore additional travel options and make transportation infrastructure more resilient, according to the department.

The program is in its early stages, and the department is seeking a range of perspectives. People can share their views through an online survey.