Multnomah County’s construction to earthquake-proof Portland’s Burnside Bridge will be delayed until past its previously planned 2028 start date, officials announced Monday.

Officials said they are uncertain when that work could actually begin due to potential lapses in federal funding .

“The current federal climate is impacting local public agencies nationwide, making it challenging to carry out crucial infrastructure projects without critical funding,” Department of Community Services Director Margi Bradway said in a statement.

The project, which would create one of downtown Portland’s only fully earthquake-proof vehicular bridges crossing the Willamette River, is now expected to cost as much as $1.8 billion, according to spokesperson Sarah Hurwitz. The county originally estimated

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