Comment on possible new turn lane from EB Cornell onto SB Barnes

For Immediate Release: Friday, May 22, 2020

A possible eastbound right-turn lane from Cornell Road onto southbound Barnes Road is being evaluated by Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation (LUT) to improve safety and reduce congestion.

Traffic Engineering staff is asking for comment via an online open house from those who travel the intersection, whether by vehicle, bicycle or on foot. Please visit the online open house, review the information and complete the form. Washington County has not yet committed to constructing this project. There is no funding identified or design created.

Traffic delays are common throughout the Cornell Road area, particularly between Barnes Road and Murray Boulevard during evening commute hours. At times, traffic backs up almost to US 26, which is a safety concern. In addition, both the Cornell Road/Barnes Road and Cornell Road/Murray Boulevard intersections have high crash rates. Traffic signal timing adjustments at both intersections are no longer effective, due to increased traffic volumes.

This potential turn lane is consistent with the Washington County Comprehensive Framework Plan for the Urban Area, the Transportation System Plan and the Cedar Hills-Cedar Mill Community Plan.

Comments submitted in the online open house through June 7 will help Traffic Engineering and Planning staff better identify traffic patterns and community travel needs.

Washington County is committed to planning, building and maintaining a great transportation system, ensuring the safety of all roadway users, and operating the County roadway system in cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.

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