Washington County and Hillsboro plan to overhaul two Cornell Road intersections that officials say have dangerous turning conflicts and poor visibility for pedestrians, according to a county announcement.
Residents can weigh in on the designs through an online open house that opened Saturday, Aug. 29, and closes Monday, Sept. 14.
The project targets Cornell Road at 17th Avenue and Cornell Road at 21st Avenue. Cornell Road is a county road; 17th and 21st avenues are city of Hillsboro roads, making this a joint effort between the two governments.
What's changing
The biggest single change: a new traffic signal at Cornell Road and 21st Avenue, where drivers currently navigate the intersection without one.
At 17th Avenue, the county will add right-in and right-out vehicle movements and build a traffic separator on Cornell Road to prevent left turns, based on a completed traffic study.
Both intersections will get ADA-compliant curb ramps at all six corners, six new streetlights for nighttime visibility, updated signs and pavement markings, and sidewalk improvements, according to the project's background page.
Funding
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) awarded the project more than $2 million through its All Roads Transportation Safety program, known as ARTS. The competitive, statewide program uses crash data and risk factors to select projects and draws on federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funding.
ODOT requires a 10% local match for ARTS projects, according to the program's FAQ. Washington County's Road Fund is covering that share.
The project was selected for construction in the 2024–2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program cycle.
Timeline
Design is expected to be finalized between winter 2026 and spring 2027, followed by contractor bidding in spring 2027 and construction running from summer 2027 through spring 2028, according to the project timeline. All dates are estimates.
How to comment
The online open house includes maps, explanations of each planned improvement and a comment page. Public comment closes Sept. 14.
Residents can also reach Washington County's Land Use & Transportation department at 503-846-7800 or [email protected].
