SE 172nd Avenue Improvements

The 172nd Avenue project will add travel lanes, bike lanes and sidewalks, and provide a new connection from the south end of 172nd Avenue to intersect Highway 212 at Anderegg Parkway. The project will eliminate the two currently troublesome intersections of Highway 212 and Armstrong Circle, and provide a new storm drainage system, sanitary sewer and water line. Clackamas County and the City of Happy Valley are sharing the $30 million cost of the project.

Several intersections will be significantly improved with the project, including:

A number of sustainability/“green streets” elements are incorporated in the project, including:

Construction Detours

Clackamas County will temporarily close 172nd Avenue between Highway 212 north and SE Sunnyside Road from January 26, 2009 to December 2010 to widen the roadway and construct improvements to meet current and future traffic demands.

Detours for through traffic will be on Highway 212, 142nd Avenue and Sunnyside Road. During the closure, 172nd Avenue between Highway 212 and Sunnyside Road will only be open to local and emergency vehicles.

The closure is needed so the entire project can be completed within two years and to ensure that the roadway is in place when the new Verne A. Duncan Elementary School opens at 10811 SE 172nd Ave. in September 2009. The County plans to open a portion of the road between Highway 212 and the new elementary school in time for the school’s scheduled opening.

Road Alignment Map

UPDATES

April 2009

Construction is well under way on the segment of roadway between Rock Creek Boulevard and Highway 212. The contractors have created a road alignment connecting SE 172nd to Anderegg Parkway on the south side of Highway 212, and are mostly complete with the utility work in that corridor. As the road continues to take shape, you will see some paving occur along Highway 212 to allow extra width for turn lanes onto SE 172nd and installation of signal poles for the new intersection. They are also working to finish up installation of underground private utilities such as power, cable, and telephone services, so existing overhead utility poles can be removed.

The contractor is also starting to begin work at the north end of the project. Hopefully, the weather will begin to dry out a little more, and the contractor will be able to work in many areas along the project at a time. Please remember that this road is closed to through traffic and at many times during the next year or so, there will be physical barriers (such as culvert excavations) under way that will prevent through access. If you live on the street, you will always be able to get in and out of the project, but your access direction may change. As you navigate through this work zone, please keep your speed down and be on the lookout for construction workers and equipment in and around the roadway.

If at any time you have questions or concerns, please feel free to call the 172nd Avenue Improvement Project Hotline at (503) 652-2943.

January 2009

Construction is beginning. Nutter Corporation was awarded the construction contract and is eager to get started. In the coming weeks, you will see construction equipment moving onto 172nd Avenue. The road will be closed to through traffic beginning January 26, 2009. The construction will be initially focusing their efforts on the segment of road between Highway 212 and Rock Creek Boulevard as well as work along the highway.

Public Involvement will be emphasized as a priority during this project. As should be expected during all major construction work, there will certainly be some impacts to traffic and properties adjacent to the work. However, Clackamas County has always strived to create an environment of open communication between the residents and travelers impacted by construction and the project team. We will continue to do our best to address your concerns and minimize impacts. If at any time, you have an questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the 172nd Avenue Improvement Project Hotline at (503) 652-2943.

2008

The design team is in the process of preparing construction plans for the improvements. Right of way acquisition has begun and will continue through 2008. See the updated project schedule for more information.

Roundabout

A roundabout is proposed near the middle of the 172nd project. (Click here to view the proposed 172nd roundabout location.)

Modern-style roundabouts are commonly constructed at street intersections throughout the world. Use of modern-style roundabouts have been less common in the United States where traffic lights have been favored. In recent years, however, roundabouts have become popular in the US, including Oregon, since they can improve traffic flow and reduce chances for fatal traffic accidents.

For more information on the 172nd roundabout design and decision click on the links below:

Green Street

A roadway that is edged with native landscaping that filters and holds stormwater is called a Green Street. Green Street designs are becoming popular throughout the United States and within the Portland area. A Green Street can provide environmental benefits as well as cost savings. A Green Street design is proposed for 172nd Avenue. (Click here to see the Green Street design for 172nd Avenue).

Project Newsletters

Open Houses

Three open houses were held to gather input from residents and interested parties. These open houses were held on November 14, 2006, December 7, 2006 and January 18, 2007. The preferred road alignment was selected from input gathered at these open houses as well as comments received through the web page. The selected road alignment and design was chosen since it has the least amount of impacts to private property. No additional open houses are planned at this time, however comments can be submitted from this website (click here to submit your comments).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION