Following a nationwide search, the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Washington State Department of Transportation have named Greg Johnson as the program administrator for the bi-state Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
Johnson, a 20-year veteran of the transportation industry, was most recently a Senior Vice President with WSP USA, one of the country’s largest engineering firms, where he served as the National Director for Construction Management and Services in Michigan. Previously, Johnson as worked as the State Highway Administrator for the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Deputy Director for the Michigan Department of Transportation. Johnson has worked on several major infrastructure projects, including the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
“I look forward to working with the stakeholders to find solutions to the unique challenges that need to be addressed to move this critical infrastructure project forward,” Johnson said. “I am excited to dive in and begin this challenge.”
In his new role, Johnson will represent both the ODOT and the WSDOT and lead program development efforts using data-driven processes prioritizing equity and inclusion.
“With his impressive range of technical and leadership experience, we are confident that Greg is the right person to take the helm of this critical program and help bring it to completion,” said ODOT Director Kris Strickler. “He has a demonstrated ability to effectively engage stakeholders and successfully deliver major infrastructure projects through complex community dynamics.”
The programs will replace the aging Interstate Bridge over the Columbia River with a new seismically resilient, multimodal bridge that improves mobility for people, goods, and services along a nationally significant corridor.
“This is one of the most important transportation projects in the country, and we are all committed to seeing it through,” said WSDOT Secretary Roger Millar. “Greg’s skill set and experience providing strategic leadership and building partnerships to move projects forward will add immeasurably to our ability to deliver this program.”
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee have directed that their respective state DOTs open the program office and restart work on the bridge. Johnson will assume his position on July 6 after relocating from Michigan.