Roundabout at SE 129th Ave. and King Rd.

Roundabout brings traffic efficiencies, additional safety to SE 129TH Ave. and SE King Rd.

THE CITY OF HAPPY VALLEY AND ITS ENGINEERING TEAM HAVE WORKED DILIGENTLY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AT THE INTERSECTION OF SE 129th AVE.  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 were improvements needed?
This project aimed to improve travel efficiencies and increase travel safety for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. The intersection had initially funneled traffic flow from three directions with stop signs serving as sole traffic control. Dedicated left-turn lanes were provided from the north on SE 129th Ave. and west on SE King Rd. Like other multi-way stops, travelers took turns navigating the intersection one vehicle at a time. At peak times, travelers were waiting for extended periods to continue their travel along SE King Rd. or turn on or from SE 129th Ave. These wait times often created inconsistencies in flow and additional traffic queues to nearby streets. A roundabout was designed to better support the movement of traffic through the intersection by creating a continuous, circular flow that would also reduce the likelihood of collisions.

What did this project entail?
The project provided a one lane roundabout at the intersections of SE 129th Ave., SE Mt. Scott Blvd., and SE King Rd.

Prior to formal roundabout construction, revisions were made for landscaping, access, and parking on all three corners of the existing intersection. Overhead utilities at the intersection were placed underground. Crews additionally performed surveys and demolition work and prepared for the installation of sidewalks, curbs, bike access, and ADA compliant crossings. The center of the roundabout will eventually include a piece of art coordinated by the City’s Public Art Committee.

The east leg of the roundabout also connects into phases two and three of the Superblock project, completing the improvements on SE King Rd.

UPDATE: Sidewalk Extension Project
Beginning January 2025, an additional project will commence that aims to add increased accessibility and safety for those traversing the area. The Sidewalk Extension Project will enhance pedestrian access and safety by repaving and extending the curb and sidewalk along the west side of 129th Ave. The extension will span from Scott Creek Lane to the roundabout, ensuring a more direct pathway for residents and visitors.

How was this project funded?
The City utilized 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 was 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, P.E.
Senior Civil Engineer at (503) 886-8495

Sally Curran, P.E.
City Engineer at (503) 886-8414