School Access Improvement Study available online

The Washington County School Access Improvement Study is now available. The study, a part of the County's Safe Routes to School Program, was presented to the Board during the March 15 work session.

The study provides the first comprehensive look at the extent of traffic infrastructure barriers that prevent or limit students' ability to walk to school safely.

Traffic safety improvements identified in the study vary by school and include sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalk treatments, and trails. Possible funding sources under review include Gain Share allocations, Urban Road Maintenance District safety funds, grants, and levies. How projects are prioritized is also under review.

The County started its Safe Routes to School program in 2013 with a grant from the ODOT Transportation Safety Division. The national initiative brings transportation, community, and educations leaders together to encourage children to walk and bike safely to school as part of a healthy daily routine.

Countywide

URMDAC, RROMAC meet Wednesday

A joint meeting of the Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee (URMDAC) and the Rural Roads Operations and Maintenance Advisory Committee (RROMAC) will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, at the Walnut Street Center. The agenda includes an overview of the requested budgets for Road Operations and URMD, the draft annual Road Maintenance Program, public education on transportation funding, and a presentation on South Hillsboro by city staff. The meeting is open to the public.

Countywide

Open Houses

Spring Hill Road bridge replacement open house is TONIGHT

An open house on the replacement of the Spring Hill Road bridge over the Tualatin River Overflow will be held from 5-7 tonight (March 16) at Gaston Jr./Sr. High School, 300 Park St., Gaston.

The existing wooden bridge, located about 1,000 feet south of Highway 47, will be replaced with a wider, concrete structure. The $3.1 million project, expected to start spring 2017, will be funded by the Washington County Major Streets Transportation Improvement Program (MSTIP), Phase 3d.  Media release

CPO 11; District 4

Review updated FEMA maps at March 17 open house 

An open house for review of updated Flood Insurance Rate maps from Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) will be held from 6-8 p.m. March 17 at the Washington County Public Services Building, 155 N. First Avenue, Hillsboro.

Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation, FEMA, the state Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and consultant Amec Foster Wheeler will be available to answer questions bout the new digital flood plain maps. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the insurance industry use the maps as the primary tool to regulate floodplain development and rates for flood insurance policies.  Flood Information Website   Media release

Countywide

Save the date 

Safe Routes to School workshop is March 30

A Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program workshop will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 30, at Beaverton Round Executive Suites, 12725 SW Millikin Way, Ste. 390.

The workshop will include an overview of SRTS, its components, and examples of activities. Participants will learn from one another, and will learn how to get involved. Free parking and light refreshments will be available.  

The event is sponsored by Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation, Beaverton School District, and Tigard School District's Safe Routes to School programs. RSVP to Lynne_Mutrie@beaverton.k12.or.us.

Countywide

Ongoing road work

Roadwork and road closures - be safe in work zones:

There are road maintenance and construction projects happening throughout the county. Be sure to check www.wc-roads.com for the most current roadwork information. All paving work is weather-dependent and schedules may be adjusted due to changes in the weather or for other unforeseen circumstances.

Ronler Drive to close next week

Ronler Drive will be closed between Cornelius Pass Road and 229th Avenue from March 21-April 4 as part of the Cornelius Pass Road widening project. All traffic will be rerouted to 229th Avenue, Butler Street, and Cornell Road during the closure.

This project will widen the Cornelius Pass Road between Cornell Road and U.S. 26 to three lanes in each direction, with a center median and dedicated turn lanes at several intersections, including U.S. 26. Improvements will also include consistent sidewalks on both sides of the roadway, a buffered bike lane along the west side, and a separated two-way bike path on the east side.

Construction is expected to be complete by Dec. 31.  Project website

CPOs 7, 8, and 9; Districts 2 and 4

Cornelius Pass Road to close March 25-27

The southbound lane of Cornelius Pass Road, between Old Cornelius Pass and Germantown Road, will be closed Friday evening, March 25, through Sunday, March 27, for final cleanup of contaminated soil.

Two-way traffic will be flagged through the work area, but with long delays. Through traffic is encouraged to use Old Cornelius Pass Road (to Phillips to Helvetia) or Germantown Road (to 185th Avenue).

The soil was contaminated on Jan. 8 when a double-tanker truck carrying gasoline overturned.

CPO 8; District 2

Scoggins Valley Road closure starts March 28

Scoggins Valley Road will be closed to all travelers for two projects starting March 28.

The first closure is required for stabilization of the road at the Milepost 4.6 landslide. Scoggins Valley Road between Deacon Drive and Milepost 4.7 will be closed from March 28-April 1.

The second closure will occur at the intersection of Scoggins Valley Road and West Shore Drive at Stepien Road. The closure is required to eliminate water seepage through the asphalt at the intersection. Scoggins Valley Road will be closed from April 25-May 6.

Hagg Lake Trail will remain open during both closures. All users - motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency vehicles - are encouraged to use recommended detours.

This schedule is subject to change. For the latest information, visit www.wc-roads.com.  

CPO 11; District 4

Hocken Avenue closure, Farmington lane shift begin April 18

Hocken Avenue, between Tualatin Valley Highway and Farmington Road, will be temporarily closed for one month starting April 13 for road improvements associated with the Farmington Road project.

During the closure, traffic will be detoured to Murray Boulevard or 142nd Avenue.

Both east and westbound traffic, including pedestrians, on Farmington Road between Murray and Hocken, will be shifted to the south side of Farmington to begin widening work on the north side of the road. TriMet's Bus #52 will continue to service existing stops along Farmington Road. Businesses within the work zone will remain open. Travelers should expect delays or use alternate routes.  Project website 

Countywide