Connect > Fanno Creek Trail crossing at Hall Boulevard now complete
Fanno Creek Trail crossing at Hall Boulevard now complete
January 23, 2014
Users of the Fanno Creek Trail in south Beaverton finally have a more direct way to cross busy Hall Boulevard.
A signalized mid-block crossing – paid for by the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District – is now open to the public between Greenway and Nimbus Avenues. It enables walkers, runners and bicyclists on the trail to cross Hall safely while having minimal impact on vehicular traffic.
The signal, called a HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK) beacon, is one of the first installed in Washington County. The purpose of a HAWK beacon is to allow protected pedestrian crossings, stopping vehicular traffic only as needed.
At the crossing, users push a button that turns on the overhead traffic signal, which goes from dark to yellow to red and finally to flashing red. Once the signal is flashing red, motorists can treat it like a stop sign and proceed after first stopping and confirming that the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians and cyclists.
The signal, which opened Jan. 7, is synchronized with those at Nimbus and Greenway from 7 to 10 a.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m. each day to minimize the impact of the signal on rush hour traffic. At all other times, it activates and changes promptly once the button is pushed.
The City of Beaverton operates and maintains the signal.
Activation of the signal caps a decade-long process to develop a safe and efficient crossing of Hall for trail users. Previously, those wanting to cross Hall had to go up to an intersection at Greenway or Nimbus, more than 400 feet away, and wait for the traffic light to change before reconnecting with the trail on the other side of the street.
A study underwritten mostly by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Metro was started in spring 2011, followed by public meetings and presentations to the THPRD Board of Directors and Beaverton City Council. Various options were considered before a final decision was made to go with the signalized mid-block crossing.
“One of the major benefits of the new crossing was that it could be installed much more quickly and for far less money than an overpass, tunnel or any of the other options,” said Doug Menke, THPRD general manager. “It’s working well so far, but we urge caution in the area. Everyone needs to adjust to the new light at that location.”
This spring, the City of Beaverton plans to realign the trail on the south side of Hall so that it meets up with the crossing. Right now, when trail users cross Hall, they need to use the sidewalk to reconnect with the trail.
Within THPRD boundaries, the Fanno Creek Trail stretches for 4.5 miles (generally between Garden Home Recreation Center and Greenway Park). It connects residential neighborhoods, employment and commercial centers, schools, and THPRD facilities to bus and light-rail transit and to the regional trail network.
About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving 230,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, more than 90 park sites with active recreational amenities, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,400 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.
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Contact:
Bob Wayt
Director – Communications
503/614-1218 (direct)
503/686-5134 (cell)
Date: January 23, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Click here for official release (PDF).