Beaverton-area cyclists and pedestrians will get a chance to shape the look of a new bridge over Highway 26 at a free event Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Pioneer Park.
Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District is hosting "Bridging Creativity Together" from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to collect community preferences on design elements for the planned Westside Trail bicycle and pedestrian bridge, according to the district's event calendar.
The bridge would span the Sunset Highway to connect NW Greenbrier Parkway on the south side to NW Cornell Road on the north, closing a gap in the Westside Trail near Sunset High School and the H.M. Terpenning Recreation Complex.
Project manager Matt Kilmartin is leading the bridge's design phase, formally known as "Future Westside Trail Bridge over U.S. Hwy 26, Segment 15." THPRD's project page lists engineering design and permitting running through summer 2027, with construction anticipated from summer 2028 through fall 2030.
The district already gathered nearly 150 responses during a community engagement period in February and March, according to Ride Westside, a regional trail advocacy group. THPRD extended its project schedule to evaluate that feedback and hold the additional in-person meeting.
The project is funded through a mix of THPRD system development charges, Metro's 2019 Parks and Nature Bond, Metro's Regional Flexible fund, an Oregon Community Paths Program grant and the Washington County MSTIP Opportunity fund. The THPRD Board awarded a consultant contract and authorized a federal BUILD grant application at its Feb. 11 meeting. Ride Westside estimates the total project cost at $14.5 million to $27.2 million.
THPRD was not contacted for comment on this story. Kilmartin can be reached at 503-567-0509 or [email protected].
What's next
The THPRD Board of Directors is scheduled to consider a draft trail alignment concept plan on Sept. 9, with a final plan up for board approval on Nov. 11, according to Ride Westside. Residents can sign up for project email updates on THPRD's project page.
How to attend
Wednesday's event will include yard games, chalk art and the Nature & Recreation Mobiles alongside the bridge design feedback stations. Pioneer Park has no parking lot, so the district encourages attendees to walk, bike or take transit. Neighborhood street parking is available around the park.
