Locust Street Safe Routes to School Project

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:  The City of Tigard was awarded funding by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program to address safety deficiencies on SW Locust Street by upgrading the road to current urban standards. The project was developed from the highest-ranking safety need from the SRTS Action Planning process. The SRTS Action Plan engaged Tigard-Tualatin School District, Metzger staff and parents, ODOT Region 1, and Washington County to identify and prioritize improvements that support walking and bicycling to Metzger Elementary School. Additionally, Metzger Elementary's bike safety instruction uses Locust Street to access neighborhood streets as part of their guided rides.

EXISTING CONDITIONS: SW Locust Street is a collector street adjacent to Metzger Elementary School. Neighborhood residents and students are limited in their ability to travel along the street because there is no sidewalk on the north side of the street and a lack of crossing opportunities. There is currently no crosswalk across SW Locust St at SW Lincoln St, which is the main access to the school.

WHAT IS PLANNED: The project proposes to add a school crossing at SW Locust St and SW Lincoln St with enhanced safety to address the critical crossing need at this location. Additionally, it will build a complete sidewalk on the north side of SW Locust Street from just west of SW 92nd to Hall Boulevard to complete the pedestrian network adjacent to the school.

TIMELINE: FY22-

FUNDING SOURCES: Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grant, Washington County MSTIP.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS: Increased cost for maintenance of new sidewalk, pavement, striping, and rapid rate flashing beacon.

STRATEGIC PLAN TIE-IN: Advances our vision to become a walkable, healthy and accessible community for everyone. 

CONTACT: Jeff Peck, Project Manager: 503-718-2466 | jeffp@tigard-or.gov