Public transit riders and safety advocates in Washington County have a chance to make their voices heard regarding the future of the Tualatin Valley Highway. Metro is currently considering a sizable investment in transit access safety, with a total of $88.5 million in bond funding up for grabs. As reported by Washington County official website, they are calling for input on how the funds should be distributed among five eligible projects that, combined, require $120 million.
Investing in transit infrastructure not only supports current users but it can also encourage a mode shift from cars, making a dent in both congestion and emissions. This Tualatin Valley Highway Safety and Transit project is critical, as the bond funding request for its construction stands at $30 million. This sum would serve as part of a local funding share needed to match a hefty $150 million Federal Administration Capital Investment Grant. As noted by the Washington County, without the $30 million match funding, the project cannot push forward.
What does the project entail? If funded, all stations along the Tualatin Valley Highway will be upgraded to enhance rider experience and improve the speed and reliability of transit services. In addition, paired enhancements to pedestrian crossings and the implementation of traffic signals are planned to improve overall access safety.
The county stresses the importance of community feedback in decision-making processes. "Your input can help Metro decide which projects to fund," states the announcement. With this open call for public engagement, residents have until April 30 to complete an online survey and show their support or suggest priorities for the transit safety improvements. The survey can be found on the Washington County's official website.
