We are happy to announce that construction is complete!  Phase 3B was the final phase of the Sunnyside Road Improvements Project which included road widening and infrastructure improvements for over 4 miles of roadway between I-205 to SE 172nd Avenue.  This work completes over 7 years of construction on the Sunnyside Road corridor.  We would like to thank the local businesses, residents, and commuters along this project for their patience and understanding during this work.  We hope you will enjoy using the new roadway facilities.

Please note that SE 172nd Avenue is closed to through traffic from Sunnyside to OR 212 as part of the SE 172nd Avenue improvement project.  If you’d like more information about that project or detour plans, feel free to visit the project website here.

Construction is nearly complete. The new bridge is completely finished, including rails and stamped concrete medians/planters. Most of the landscaping has also been completed. The contractor is currently working on placement of the final lift of pavement throughout the project. Once paving is finished, the contractor will begin striping the roads, and removing barrels and temporary construction signs.

The end is near! Thank you for your continued patience.

Please note that SE 172nd Avenue is closed to through traffic from Sunnyside to OR 212 as part of the SE 172nd Avenue improvement project. If you’d like more information about that project or detour plans, feel free to visit the project website here.

There have been a lot of changes since the last update. The contractor has constructed most of the north side of the roadway including 2 lanes of the bridge. The main trunk lines for sanitary, storm, and water have been completed. Also, almost all of the joint trench system and utility vaults for private utilities (PGE, Verizon, Comcast, Qwest, NW Natural) have been installed. Utility companies are currently pulling and energizing their cables in the conduit and transferring services off the existing poles. Within the next couple months, most overhead utility poles will be removed.

The old culvert for Rock Creek has been removed, and the contractor is currently working to restore the channel to a natural creek section. As part of this work, they will be placing woody debris (trees with root wads intact) into the stream bank and placing large rocks in the channel to help protect the channel sides, and create eddies and fish habitat. When the project is complete, the bridge and restored creek channel will provide a much safer corridor for wildlife to cross the busy traffic corridor.

In late June, the contractor had completed enough of the north side work that they could switch traffic onto the new bridge and new pavement. With traffic moved, they are now working on completing the improvements to the south side of the road. One part of this work is to place and compact earthwork to bring up the grade of the road at the new bridge crossing. Much of this earthwork will come from the excavation of the creek channel, and from stockpiles of dirt saved from earlier parts of construction.

Over the next couple months, you’ll begin to see construction of the south side of the bridge take shape. The contractor is currently constructing the drilled shafts which provide support for the bridge abutments. Soon you’ll see the abutment wall being constructed, retaining walls on the sides, and eventually girders and decking just like the first phase. Most of the road work should be completed by the end of this year, allowing 2 lanes of traffic in each direction, left turn lanes, and a completed signalized intersection at Sunnyside and 172nd.

Another element of the project is the construction of SE 169th Avenue to the south of Sunnyside Road. While the project always included construction of a future intersection at this location, the road to the south was originally going to be completed with the SE 172nd project next year. However, due to a desire to impact neighboring properties only once, it was decided to incorporate the construction of this roadway into the Sunnyside project. This roadway will be constructed to within a couple feet of the existing Stoneybrook Court, but will not make a complete connection until the next project. This will keep traffic separated for now but make for an easy connection at the start of the next project.

The Instream Work portion of the Sunnyside Road Phase 3B project is complete. Additionally, the contractor has completed grading work for much of the north side of the road. The county added this work to the Instream project, to make sure the work got completed during the drier summer months, when earthwork should be done. This helps keep the project on schedule, and will allow the contractor for the remainder of the project to immediately begin working on installation of utilities and construction of the bridge.

Bids for the last portion of the project were opened on October 3rd. The lowest bid was once again submitted by Goodfellow Brothers, Inc. GBI has been the contractor on all previous phases of Sunnyside Road, from I-205 to SE 162nd. Construction of this phase is expected to begin in early November.

Similar to previous phases of construction along Sunnyside Road, this project will widen the road to five lanes, including a planted median/left turn lane. The new roadway will also include bike lanes, planter strips and sidewalk. The contractor will construct a new bridge over Rock Creek, as well as adding a new traffic signal at the intersection of SE Sunnyside Road and SE 172nd. A temporary signal will be installed this winter to aid in traffic control during construction. Overhead utilities will once again be relocated to vaults and conduits underground.

Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2008, with landscaping work finishing up in January of 2009. Traffic will be staged similarly as it has in the past, with the contractor completing the north side first, and then switching traffic to the north while they complete the south side. There is a lot of work to complete over the next year, and we appreciate your continued patience with this project.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns, by calling the Sunnyside Road Improvement Project Hotline at (503) 652-2943.

Construction is about to begin! Over the next couple weeks, you will see construction equipment once again moving onto Sunnyside Road. This is the final phase of the Sunnyside Road Project, which at its completion will have widened and improved the roadway from I-205 to SE 172nd.

Due to some minor delays in the property acquisition process, Clackamas County has elected to split this last phase into two parts. This will allow the contractor to complete work in areas where acquisitions have been finalized, and keep the overall project on schedule. Construction on the first part will begin this month, followed by the remainder of the work which is expected to begin this fall.

In early May, Clackamas County opened bids for the first part, the Instream Work portion of the Phase 3B project. Once again, Goodfellow Brothers Inc. had the low bid. Goodfellow Brothers has been the prime contractors on the previous two phases of work, and have done an excellent job. We know that we can continue to expect a great product from them.

Phase 3B Instream Work Package – The instream work package primarily consists of work on the north side of the road, near Rock Creek. It includes construction of the detention pipe and swale on the east side of the creek, as well as the pond and swale on the west side. Also, the new access road around the pond will be created, as excavation in the existing driveways will be needed to remove existing storm culverts and form a new drainage channel for the drainage way flowing into Rock Creek from the west.

As always, 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.

We’re looking forward to beginning this final phase. If at any time, you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the Sunnyside Road Improvement Project Hotline at (503) 652-2943.

In January, we submitted the 90% construction drawings for ODOT and Clackamas County staff to review. In early February, the project team met with ODOT staff for a “Plans in Hand” meeting to discuss any remaining issues with the design. Everything appears to be on track to meet the Final Plans submittal date of March 15th. If everything continues to goes well, we’d expect to advertise the project for bid in April, and have a contractor signed and ready to work by mid-June.

In the last couple weeks of February, you will begin to see changes along the north side of the roadway. Some of the trees within the future road corridor will be cut down. This clearing work is being completed ahead of the main construction contract to meet a rule called the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The purpose of the MBTA is to prevent construction (and the clearing of trees) from destroying migratory bird nests. The MBTA requires that any tree clearing is done outside of migratory bird nesting periods (typically between March 1 and August 30). By removing these trees before typical nesting periods start, we are reducing the likelihood of hurting these migratory birds species. Trees on the north side will be cut down now, so north-side road construction can begin in the summer. Trees impacted by construction on the south side will be cut down next fall/winter.

Our right-of-way agents are continuing to work with property owners to secure the land needed for the road widening and storm facility improvements. If you are a property owner and have any questions regarding impacts to your property, feel free to call the Sunnyside Road Improvement Project Hotline at (503) 652-2943.

The construction design drawings are currently at a 75% complete level. The design team continues to work out design issues, and fully expect to meet the April 2007 bid date. Construction would be expected to begin mid-June, 2007.

The right-of-way and easements required for construction of the project have been finalized, and legal descriptions and exhibits have been provided to the appraisers. Over the next couple months, right-of-way agents will be working with property owners to acquire the land necessary for construction of the road and storm facility improvements.

Additionally, environmental permits have been completed and submitted to the agencies. These permits describe how construction work will be completed in wetland areas, the protection measures implemented for fish and endangered species, and mitigation methods used to offset construction impacts.

The Supplemental Environmental Assessment is nearly complete. This document identifies the design changes from the Revised Environmental Assessment completed in 1999, and addresses what additional impacts those changes may have on the project.

The design team is continuing with preparation of the 50% complete design drawings. These will be submitted to Clackamas County and ODOT for review at the end of August.

An updated draft wetland delineation report has been submitted for county and ODOT review. This document includes areas that were not identified in the original report.

On May 24th, the Project Team held a Community Open House at the Emmanuel Community Church from 6pm to 8pm. The meeting was announced through a mailing to all residences and business owners within a half-mile radius of the project area. Forty-four residents and business owners attended the Open House. Project Team Members were present to explain different aspects of the design, and answer questions as needed.

All participants were encouraged to complete the “Citizen Comment” form after reviewing and discussing project information one-on-one with team members. We are working to incorporate several of these comments into the design.

Select the following links to view summaries of comments received from the Comment Form, or from the Roll Plan.

What's Been Happening?

• The design from 162nd Avenue to 172nd Avenue is currently 30% complete.
• The design team has submitted updated technical reports for the Environmental Assessment.
• The final design for Sunnyside Road from 162nd to 172nd features five lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes, a new bridge crossing at Rock Creek, streetlights, and raised medians. Preliminary noise studies have indicated that sound walls are not needed in this phase.
• A new intersection at approximately 169th and Sunnyside will be created. Traffic signals will not be installed at this time, but will when properties to the north and south develop in the future.
• A new access road will be created to replace several residential driveways immediately west of the new bridge. This will allow construction of storm detention/treatment facilities, and improve access management.
• There will be a new signal constructed at the intersection of 172nd.

For the last several months, team members have been meeting individually with numerous property owners, both residential and business. The meetings have been very important in keeping adjacent property owners informed and involved in specific discussions regarding impacts and access to their specific property, and will continue on an as-needed basis throughout the life of the project.

The team will be holding a project Community Open House on May 24th, from 6-8pm, at Emmanuel Community Church (located at the intersection of SE Sunnyside Road and SE 172nd). This meeting is an opportunity for the public to review the 30% design and offer comment. A notice for the Open House was mailed to all properties within a half-mile of the project, but any interested party is welcome to attend.

In recent years, community members and Clackamas County have worked together through numerous public workshops, open houses, public hearings, and neighborhood meetings to develop some reasonable solutions to the ever-increasing traffic congestion on Sunnyside Road. The project's Environmental Assessment, covering Sunnyside Road between I-205 and 172nd Avenue was completed in 1999. The EA process developed preliminary designs based upon general studies and evaluations. Construction of Phase 1 (from I-205 to 122nd Avenue) was completed in Spring of 2004. Construction of Phases 2 and 3A (122nd Avenue to 162nd Avenue) is currently underway, with expected completion in Winter of 2006.

Clackamas County is now beginning final engineering design work and the right of way acquisition process on the Sunnyside Road Improvement Project, Phase 3B (from 162nd to 172nd). Harper Houf Peterson Righellis, Inc., and OBEC Consulting Engineers are leading the final design team. This project will widen and improve Sunnyside Road to five lanes from SE 162nd Avenue to SE 172nd Avenue. This work will include: five-lane roadway, sidewalks, bike lanes, new bridge across Rock Creek, street lights, raised medians, underground utilities, newly signalized intersection at 172nd Avenue, and landscaping. Sound walls and retaining walls may be constructed in some areas. Construction of this phase is expected to begin in Summer of 2007 and be completed by Winter of 2008.

Numerous detailed studies were conducted with the original assessment, and will be updated in the coming months and incorporated into the final design. They include: traffic, wetlands, noise, air, geotechnical, pavement, etc. Every effort will be made to minimize impacts to adjacent properties; even so, some property will need to be acquired for the project. Right of way specialists will contact property owners individually as the design develops and indicates additional right of way needs.

Some accesses along the roadway will be changed to provide right turns only onto and off of Sunnyside Road, and some driveways will be rerouted onto other local streets. In some instances, where there is no other reasonable alternative, an entire property may be purchased so that vehicle access is closed. These access changes will make a significant contribution to relieving future traffic congestion and will provide drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists with a safer trip along Sunnyside Road.

In the coming weeks, you may notice surveying team members (in orange vests) working along Sunnyside Road. They are mapping property and buildings, and identifying physical features such as, trees, driveways, building corners, sidewalks, utilities, and ground slopes. This mapping will greatly assist our engineers with final design decisions about retaining walls, sound walls, property acquisitions (where necessary), storm drainage facilities, and the exact location of the street improvements during final design. This information also will help minimize impacts to adjacent properties, and will assure the most cost-efficient roadway design.

You will see more and more team members in the project area over the next year, as the design is readied for construction. Expect to see workers, vehicles and equipment alongside the roadway as work progresses. The project team will make every effort to minimize project impacts to drivers, nearby residents, and businesses. We ask you to be extremely cautious and patient and to continue to drive safely through the area. The team thanks you in advance for your patience and understanding during the remainder of this important project.

Numerous project meetings (with both large and small groups) will be held over the next few months as the final design is being completed. Public open houses will be held at key points in the final design process so community members can review and discuss the design and its various options with team members. Project team members will meet with adjacent property owners and with nearby business owners and tenants to discuss design options, project scheduling, and access and construction issues, as well as individual impacts to their property. Project team members will also be meeting with adjacent property owners as needed to discuss specific property issues. Project updates and meeting notices will be sent to community members as the work progresses.

There is currently adequate funding in place for all phases of this work, including right-of-way acquisition, design, and construction. 

When the original Environmental Assessment was completed, the second half of Phase 3 (SE 162nd Avenue to SE 172nd Avenue) was designed as a 3-lane section. Since that time, the land has been annexed into the urban growth boundary, and the traffic projections have increased enough to warrant a 5-lane section. Design of this 10-block segment will begin once the Revised EA is complete. This section should begin construction by Spring, 2008.

The final design for Sunnyside Road from 152nd to 172nd features five lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes, a new crossing at Rock Creek, streetlights, raised medians, and new signalized intersections at 157th, 162nd, and 172nd Avenues. The traffic signal at 172nd and Sunnyside Road may be installed before construction, as needed for future development in the area. The project team has conducted many of the same studies and surveying as on Phases II & III of the project. A draft wetland delineation and mitigation report addresses Rock Creek and other wetlands in the project area. However, the final design for this section has been developed only to a 30% level at this time.

Funding is not yet on the horizon for this segment from 152nd Avenue to 172nd Avenue. The final design will be completed when funding has been identified for this section of Sunnyside Road. The County will continue to search for funding opportunities for completion of construction to 172nd Avenue. At this time there is not a schedule for completion of the final design or construction.

For general project status, please read the information for Phases II & III on this web site.

The project team will conduct the same studies and surveying as on Phases II & III of the project. However, the final design will be developed to a 30% level at this time. Funding is not yet on the horizon for the segment from 152nd Avenue to 172nd Avenue. The final design will be completed when funding has been identified for this section of Sunnyside Road. The County will continue to search for funding opportunities for completion of construction to 172nd Avenue.

For general project status, please read the information for Phases II & III on this web site.