ODOT began construction in June 2010 on a highway widening project on U.S. 26 (Sunset Highway) between Cornell Road and 185th Avenue.  As of January 2013, work is substantially complete.  Landscaping and cleanup work remains.  The project contractor is Granite Northwest, Inc.  
 
Project Background
The existing section of U.S. 26 (Sunset Highway) between Cornell Road and 185th Avenue was inadequate to meet the current or long-term capacity needs of the Sunset Corridor.  This project addressed the capacity issues by adding an additional travel lane in both directions on U.S. 26 from Cornell Road to 185th Avenue – a distance of about 2 miles.  Now that it's complete, there are three lanes in each direction from downtown Portland to 185th Avenue.  This project will provide congestion relief and enhance access to commercial, industrial, and residential properties in Washington County.
 
Highway widening took place on the outside (right) shoulders in both directions.  Additional project elements included:
 
  *  Widening left and right shoulders
  *  Adding cable barrier in the center median
  *  Upgrading signs
  *  Improving storm water management with an innovative filter drain
  *  Building a retaining wall at Bronson Creek 
  *  Paving and striping the project area
  *  Landscaping
 
**** Look here for a graphic detailing U.S. 26 before, during and after construction. 

 
Look here for a map of the project area.
 
Schedule and Traffic Impacts

Construction began June 2010 and was substantially complete in January 2013.  Work in 2013 will include cleanup work and landscaping.  Motorists should expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures and nighttime lane closures on U.S. 26.

 
Read the weekly construction news, a report listing the traffic impacts on the project updated each Friday.
 
Nighttime Noise
When nighttime work occurs, construction noise may be audible to residents living along the project corridor.  ODOT will work with neighbors on an individual basis to resolve any noise complaints or concerns.  A 24 hour noise hotline number is available and can be called to report noise concerns.  That number is (503) 646-0231.
 
Project funding
The project is funded with a combination of federal, state, and county dollars.  The Oregon Legislature provided funds the majority of the funding through the 2009 Jobs and Transportation Act (JTA).  This is the first JTA project in the state to begin construction. The estimated construction cost for the project is $12 million.