Construction workers struck a water main late Monday night at one of Beaverton's busiest intersections, forcing a full closure of SW Walker Road and SW Murray Boulevard.

Washington County confirmed that crews hit the water main while working at the intersection, which is the site of a $37.1 million improvement project that broke ground in late April. The break shut down the intersection for several hours as commuters on Tuesday tried to navigate the heavily used corridor, which serves as an alternative to OR 26 through Beaverton and Hillsboro.

Tualatin Valley Water District crews responded to repair the damaged line.

Washington County officials confirmed the break had no impact on water supply or drinking water quality for area residents.

What's behind the construction

The water main break occurred during active work on the Walker Road and Murray Boulevard intersection improvement project, a partnership between Washington County, the City of Beaverton, Clean Water Services, and Tualatin Valley Water District. The project will add dual left-turn lanes and dedicated right-turn lanes on all four sides of the intersection, plus a third southbound lane on SW Murray Boulevard.

Westech Construction Inc. won the project with a low bid of $32,244,955.69, according to public bid records opened on February 11. The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2028, according to Washington County.

The project also includes replacement of two bridges over Cedar Mill Creek and two culverts on SW Walker Road.

What residents should know

Washington County has not announced a specific reopening time for the intersection following Tuesday's break. The broader construction project will bring continued lane restrictions and detours to the area for the next two years, with a full closure of SW Walker Road east of SW Murray Boulevard scheduled for roughly one month in summer 2027 for culvert replacement.

Residents who experience water quality concerns can contact Tualatin Valley Water District at (503) 848-3000.