Tualatin Voters Approve Measure 34-282

There’s one problem we can count on hearing about every day, and in nearly every public meeting. It’s traffic – traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, cut-through traffic – citizens say it’s growing steadily worse, in every part of our city.

Recent data supports our citizens’ perception:

According to the INRX Global Traffic Survey Scorecard (February 2018), Portland is the nation’s 40th largest city – but the 12th most congested.
The WAZE Driver Satisfaction Index (December 2017) rates Portland as the 5th most congested region – just after Los Angeles – and above Seattle!

On May 15 Tualatin voters took a giant step to tackle our city’s number one problem, approving a $20 million bond measure that will pay for projects citywide to:

Relieve congestion;
Improve neighborhood traffic safety; and
Provide safe access to schools.

The priority projects – totaling more than 35 – will all be completed over the next 3 to 5 years. These were chosen from more than 100 projects identified by local neighborhood residents, businesses and community groups. The newly funded projects will help resolve some of Tualatin’s biggest traffic problems and deficiencies.

Here’s more good news. In future years, projects funded by Washington County are also expected to address traffic congestion through the widening of Tualatin-Sherwood Road: from Teton Street in Tualatin to Langer Parkway in Sherwood; and the extension of 124th Avenue from Tualatin-Sherwood Road to Grahams Ferry.

We got started the day after the election, and expect to have some fast track projects under construction later this year. A good way for you to track our progress is go to the website: www.tualatinmovingforward.org. You’ll see a project map and detailed information on each one.

Another way to gauge success will be through your personal observation. Have you noticed new pedestrian crossings with signals – as a driver or pedestrian, or have you tried them? Does your child feel safer riding their bicycle? Have you shaved a minute or two off your daily commute? With projects planned for every part of the city, we should all see a real difference.

Thank you Tualatin voters for giving us this chance to take on our community’s top issue – and make lasting improvements.