PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Metro Council gave the green light Thursday to the latest proposal for a new Interstate-5 bridge, which will cost several billion dollars.

It voted 5-2 to endorse the current bridge proposal.

The Metro Council handles regional issues in the Portland area, including transportation planning.

All along, Councilor Robert Liberty has been one of the most outspoken opponents. He has questioned the need for a new bridge, pointing out that because of high gas prices, fewer people have been driving.

The price tag for the project is $4.2 billion and none of that money has been allocated yet.

Background: More on I-5 bridge proposal

The council listened to public testimony during its meeting last June.

Both the Vancouver and Portland city councils have voted in support of the bridge plan.