County receives statewide recognition for Cornelius Pass/Johnson School Road project

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Washington County’s Department of Land Use & Transportation is pleased to announce that the Oregon Chapter of the American Public Works Association (OR APWA) has selected the county's recent Cornelius Pass/Johnson School Road project as its 2013 Transportation Project of the Year ($5-$25 million). The award recognizes quality, innovation and cooperation among the managing agency, its partners, consultants and construction contractors. Evaluation criteria included public outreach efforts, sustainable practices, environmental design considerations, community needs, and overall safety factors.

The project improved the last remaining two-lane section of Cornelius Pass Road, between Aloclek and Wilkins, to five lanes with bike lanes and sidewalks. This project also required replacing the bridge over Rock Creek with a wider and longer structure built above the flood plain. As part of the project, the original 85-foot long concrete girder bridge beams from the bridge on Cornelius Pass Road were salvaged and used to replace the previously substandard bridge on Johnson School Road over Davis Creek. This recycling effort was not only sustainable but it resulted in an overall cost savings.

The Cornelius Pass Road and Johnson School Road improvements were bid as one combined construction project due to the needed coordination for salvaging, transferring and placing the recycled bridge beams. The project was funded by the County’s Major Streets Transportation Improvement Program (MSTIP), County and City of Hillsboro Traffic Impact Fees (TIF) and the County’s Road Capital program.

Cardno and Harper Houf Peterson Righellis designed the project and Kerr Contractors and Carter & Company were the primary contractors. Construction commenced summer 2012 at both locations and was completed in April 2013, approximately three months ahead of schedule.

The Project of the Year award was presented to the project team during the Fall 2013 OR APWA Conference. The award will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners at their Tuesday, December 3, 2013 meeting.

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 a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.

Media Contact: