Solutions to Tualatin's Traffic Congestion Often Rely on Other Agencies

In May 2018, Tualatin voters approved a $20 million transportation bond measure to address three pressing needs identified by the public: traffic congestion relief; neighborhood traffic safety improvements; and safe access to schools and parks. 

The 35+ bond-funded projects include important work to reduce congestion on clogged arterials: 

• The I-5/Tualatin-Sherwood Road junction – the city’s busiest intersection; 
• The Martinazzi Avenue/Sagert Street intersection; and 
• Several other congested local routes. 

In addition, many key improvements to our transportation system are led by other agencies – for example, along major routes such as I-5 (Oregon Department of Transportation), and Tualatin-Sherwood Road (Washington County). During the first three years of the City’s bond program, important projects completed by the other agencies have made a noticeable difference in peak-hour congestion. 

• ODOT constructed auxiliary lanes on I-5 near the Tualatin-Sherwood Road interchange. These new lanes separate slower vehicles entering or exiting the highway from other vehicles continuing along at higher speeds. Auxiliary lanes reduce conflicts, and allow for more stable flow of traffic near the interchange. 
• Washington County completed the segment of 124th Avenue from Tualatin-Sherwood Road to Grahams Ferry Road, opening a much-needed new north-south route 
• Tri-Met extended Line 96 – Tualatin/I-5 bus service that connects Commerce Circle, Mohawk Park & Ride and Portland City Center, providing better service for Tualatin residents and employees. 
• Two smaller mid-block crossing projects to improve pedestrian safety in Tualatin were partially funded by private companies: on Mohawk Street (Portland General Electric) and Leveton Drive (Lam Research). 

The biggest project currently underway is Washington County’s widening of Tualatin-Sherwood Road from Teton Avenue to Langer Farms Parkway in Sherwood. This will include: 

• Widening to 5 travel lanes (2 lanes in each direction with a center turn lane) 
• Sidewalks and bike lanes along both sides 
• Stormwater upgrades 
• Streetlights 

The project design is complete and right-of-way acquisition is in progress. Construction of the $31.5 million project is slated to start in Summer 2022 with completion in Fall 2025. 

“We’re seeing just how connected Tualatin is with these other agencies – with their land use decisions that shape future development and with the transportation facilities they operate,” says Program Manager Mike McCarthy. 

To read more about the Tualatin Moving Forward bond program, visit www.TualatinMovingForward.com