TSP Talking Points

NOT A FIX

The proposed traffic signal at Tualatin Road and SW 115th Avenue will not solve the traffic problems on Tualatin Road. In fact, it will make them worse by pushing commuter traffic further into the neighborhoods, causing a series of unintended impacts. A better solution is needed.

PEAK TRAFFIC

Of all the roads in Tualatin with high peak traffic volumes, Tualatin Road is the peakiest. Currently, Tualatin Road is being used as a commuter shortcut. Peak-time rush-hour commuter traffic patterns should be changed to utilize more appropriate routes.

We ask the city to look at better options for reducing peak volumes on Tualatin Road, BEFORE considering new traffic signals that would create new problems.

BETTER ROUTES

Herman Road to 124th is a better commuter route and should be prioritized and incentivized. The existing westbound free right turn at the Herman Road / Tualatin Road intersection makes Tualatin Road the default route by design. This intersection should be redesigned to send more traffic to Herman Road and less traffic to Tualatin Road. This single change would make it easier for all Tualatin Road residents to get in and out of their neighborhoods, including:

Cheyenne Way, Sioux Ct, Chippewa Trail, Shasta Trail, Jurgens Ave, 106th, 109th, 112th, 115th, and all of the apartment units west of 115th.

We are asking the City to focus on building traffic solutions that address the needs along the entire length of Tualatin Road, not just one intersection. Instead of spending money on new traffic lights, it would be a better use of funds to divert commuter traffic to use roads that already have traffic lights and 45 MPH speed limits. Please invest in transportation projects that improve the livability of our neighborhoods.

During the TSP update process, the community repeatedly asked for this proposed traffic signal to be removed from the TSP. The City should take this feedback into account and "Conduct the planning process with adequate input and feedback from citizens in each affected neighborhood” (Tualatin Comprehensive Plan 2040 8.7)

AIR QUALITY

Intersections with traffic signals have up to 29 times higher air pollution than open roads. Acceleration and breaking generate much more air pollution than free-flowing traffic. A recent study shows that brake pad dust is more toxic than exhaust emissions.

Signalizing the intersection at Tualatin Road and 115th will cause a degradation of air quality in the neighborhoods adjacent to, and downwind from, this intersection.

BYPASS TRAFFIC

To avoid the existing congestion on Tualatin Road, some commuters are already taking Jurgens Avenue to Hazelbrook Road to reach Highway 99W. The added delays of a new traffic signal on Tualatin Road at 115th will make the Jurgens / Hazelbrook bypass even more enticing to commuters, even though this route passes directly through the Hazelbrook school zone, past the students walking to/from school, and across the route of children and families walking to/from Jurgens Park.

Added traffic on Hazelbrook Road will make it more difficult to turn left from 115th on to Hazelbrook Road. This will start a feedback loop where, as more cars use the Jurgens / Hazelbrook bypass, the bypass will provide a quicker transit time than 115th. This bypass will then become another default route to highway 99W. This is not what we want.

The proposed signal would also create a cut-through risk in David's Fox Run and Tualatin Woods. GPS phone navigation will find the quickest route, even if that means cutting through a neighborhood or speeding through a school zone.

Increased traffic volumes on Hazelbrook Road will also negatively impact Hazelbrook Middle School bus routes, interfere with the school parking lot entrance and exit, and put student safety at risk.

SPEED LIMITS

Lowering the speed limits on Tualatin Road, Hazelbrook Road, 115th, and Jurgens would reduce traffic noise, discourage commuter cut-through, and make it easier and safer for residents to enter and exit their neighborhoods. The current 35 MPH speed limit is too high. If Newberg can have a 25 MPH speed limit on Highway 99W, the City of Tualatin can figure out a legal way to reduce our neighborhood speed limits from 35 to 30 MPH.

SUMMARY

The proposed traffic signal on Tualatin Road at 115th would create negative impacts across the community. We are asking the City for better alternatives, including redesigning the Herman Road / Tualatin Road intersection, and lowering speed limits, in order to reduce peak traffic volumes on Tualatin Road.

Thank you for your consideration.