This project addresses long-standing congestion on OR 217 between Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway and OR 99W due to too many closely spaced interchanges: 10 interchanges in just over seven miles! This is some of the shortest merging spacing in the region.
The interchange spacing, combined with 120,000 vehicles a day, led to high crash rates and travel delays. This project helps everyone on OR 217 get where they need to go more safely and reliably.
We constructed auxiliary lanes in both directions of OR 217 as part of the improvements. Auxiliary lanes are ramp-to-ramp connections on the highway that help reduce congestion by giving drivers more space and time to merge safely. This decreases conflicts, improves safety and the flow of traffic, and ultimately allows the existing lanes to work more efficiently. We expect up to 73,000 hours of travel time saved each year with these improvements. Learn more about
auxiliary lanes.
Along with improvements on the highway itself, project elements include building four sound walls, improving several overpasses, and adding stormwater management to protect Ash Creek, Red Creek, and Fanno Creek. Read more about
bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
Project Map
Completed Project Elements
Auxiliary Lanes
Placed over 19,000 tons of asphalt and added five miles of new auxiliary lanes, resulting in less congestion, increased merging distance and a safer highway with an expected crash reduction of 20-30%.
- Added a new southbound auxiliary lane from Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway to OR 99W.
- Added a new northbound auxiliary lanes from OR 99W to Scholls Ferry Road.
Frontage Road
Built a new
southbound frontage road between Allen Boulevard and Denney Road. The new frontage road decreases highway merging, making trips safer for drivers.
Hall Boulevard Overpass in Tigard
Hall Boulevard Overpass in Beaverton
Widened the
Hall Boulevard overpass in Beaverton by 19 feet to support a new sidewalk and bike lanes and fill in a missing link in the bicycle/pedestrian network in partnership with the City of Beaverton.
Denney Road Overpass
Fanno Creek Trail
Partnered with the City of Beaverton to extend the
Fanno Creek Trail along the east side of OR 217 to Allen Boulevard, completing the north/south parallel bicycle path network.
Sound Walls
Added four sound walls along portions of the project area to reduce noise, voted for by adjacent neighbors.
Ramps
Widened and reconfigured ramps at six interchanges including Allen Boulevard, Denney Road, Hall Boulevard and OR 99W to improve traffic flow and better integrate with the new auxiliary lanes.
Retaining Walls
Built nine retaining walls to secure slopes and soil along the highway.
Shoulders
Widened shoulders on OR 217 to accommodate emergency response vehicles.
Fencing and Guardrails
Installed 2,100 feet of protective fencing and 23,000 feet of guardrails to increase safety for travelers.
Stormwater
Installed 19,000 feet of pipes and 18 storm swales and retention ponds to improve stormwater management and protect local waterways.
Project Benefits
- The addition of new auxiliary lanes will reduce bottlenecks that cause congestion and crashes, which create delays for travelers and freight.
- The new frontage road for southbound drivers connecting Allen Boulevard and Denney Road makes trips safer for drivers by decreasing the amount of merging on the highway.
- New pedestrian and bicycle improvements enhance local neighborhoods and expand routes for people walking, bicycling and rolling.
Schedule
Project design: 2017 through spring 2021
Construction: December 2021 through 2025
Cost and Funding
The total project cost was $174 million primarily funded through the Keep Oregon Moving transportation package. The City of Beaverton and Washington County also contributed money towards the project.