Utility Undergrounding at SE 129th and King Rd.
Roundabout to bring traffic efficiencies, additional safety to SE 129th Ave. and SE King Rd.
THE CITY OF HAPPY VALLEY AND ITS ENGINEERING TEAM HAVE BEEN WORKING ON PLANS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AT THE INTERSECTION OF SE 129TH AVENUE AND SE KING RD. BOTH SECTIONS OF ROADWAY ARE USED WITH HIGH FREQUENCY AND THIS PARTICULAR INTERSECTION SERVES AS A COMMON INTERCHANGE FOR TRAVELERS ACCESSING NEIGHBORHOODS, CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, AND POPULAR HAPPY VALLEY PARK. INTEGRAL TO PUBLIC SAFETY, THE AREA ALSO PROVIDES SOLE ACCESS TO A CLACKAMAS FIRE DISTRICT #1 FIRE STATION AND HAPPY VALLEY’S COMMUNITY POLICING CENTER. QUITE SIMPLY, THIS HEAVILY UTILIZED INTERSECTION IS A CRUCIAL HUB FOR BOTH RESIDENTS, FIRST RESPONDERS, AND VISITORS TO THE CITY.
Why are improvements needed?
This project aims to improve travel efficiencies and increase travel safety for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. The intersection currently funnels traffic flow from three directions with stop signs serving as sole traffic control. Dedicated left-turn lanes are provided from the north on SE 129th Ave. and west on SE King Rd. Like other multi-way stops, travelers take turns navigating intersection one vehicle at a time. At peak times, travelers may wait for extended periods to continue their travel along SE King Rd. or turn on or from SE 129th Ave. These wait times often create inconsistencies in flow and additional traffic queues to nearby streets. A roundabout would support the movement of traffic through the intersection by creating a continuous, circular flow that additionally reduces the likelihood of collisions.
What will this project entail?
The project will provide a one lane roundabout at the intersections of SE 129th Avenue, SE Mt. Scott Blvd., and SE King Rd.
Prior to formal roundabout construction, there will be revisions made for landscaping, access, and parking on all three corners of the existing intersection. Overhead utilities at the intersection will also be placed underground. Crews will additionally perform surveys and demolition work and prepare for the installation of sidewalks, curbs, bike access, and ADA compliant crossings. The center of the roundabout is anticipated to include a piece of art coordinated by the City’s Public Art Committee.
The east leg of the roundabout will connect into phases two and three of the Superblock project, completing the improvements on SE King Road.
When will formal road construction begin and end?
Construction related to undergrounding utilities is anticipated to begin in Fall 2023. Formal roundabout construction is likely slated to be conducted in 2024.
Will this affect my commute?
Expect slight delays at the intersection of SE 129th/SE Mt. Scott Blvd./SE King Rd. during the utility undergrounding. Flaggers may be utilized to direct traffic, however traffic delays of up to 20 minutes are anticipated in this case. A temporary road closure will occur on William Otty Rd. when trenching along 129th Ave. Detours will be reflected here once confirmed.
The intersection will experience delay and potential closure. More details to follow.
How is this project being funded?
The City is utilizing transportation dollars (collected through the development process) to complete this project. These monies can only be used on capacity increasing projects and projects identified within the City’s transportation system plan. This project is also funded via an increased right-of-way use fee charged to PGE. Learn more about this at the designated page.
QUESTION OR CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROJECT?
Contact
Bob Balgos, PE
Senior Civil Engineer at (503) 886-8495
Sally Curran, PE
City Engineer at (503) 886-8414