Transportation Infrastructure

Location advantages support trade within and outside the region, offering options for expanded export opportunities. The region has a distinct geographic advantage in being centrally located in the Pacific Northwest and is uniquely positioned to do business with approximately a 6,000 mile area from the West Coast to the East Coast to Asia, all within one regular business day. The region is a significant transportation corridor and offers market access through:

• Interstates and Highways both East/West and North/South with connecting bridges
• Airports, with close proximity to Portland International Airport and the presence of regional and local airports.
• Rail Service: Burlington Northern and Union Pacific offer rail services for the movement of goods in Oregon and Washington. Currently, passenger rail service is only available on the Washington side of the river.
• Barge traffic along the Columbia River which is particularly important for transporting waste and ag products.
• Bicycle/Pedestrian/Transit connections

While market access and the mix of transportation modes available for the movement of goods and people are a distinct asset to the region, maintaining the infrastructure and expanding it to meet growing industry and population needs is a challenge.  Review the regional economic development strategy to learn about the region’s prioritized transportation infrastructure improvement projects.