Finding transportation solutions that support economic and community development has been a top priority for Multnomah County and the cities of Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale and Wood Village. This is the focus of the nearly 2-year collaborative effort called East Metro Connections Plan.
On April 18, the East Metro Connections Plan steering committee – made up of elected officials, community members and stakeholders – approved the substance of an action plan for the East Metro area. Their draft recommendation includes improvements to the transportation system that could be implemented as soon as funds are secured as well as those that will be needed in the future to accommodate the growing number of households and jobs. This action plan was built based on community input, today’s needs, past planning processes and future projections based on population and employment growth.
The steering committee will refine and confirm that recommendation at their final meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. on June 6 at Gresham City Hall.
On-the-ground investments
The action plan is made up of potential transportation projects that support economic and community development by providing better access and mobility, increasing safety, activating employment areas and helping people find their way through and to key destinations in the East Metro area. These proposed investments emerged through prioritization of the 120 transportation projects evaluated and target enhancements with a focus on:
- North/south connections - Proposed projects improve the arterial road network connecting Interstate 84 and US 26.
- Downtowns and employment areas - Proposed projects improve safety and access to downtowns, jobs and commercial areas.
- Regional mobility - Proposed projects capitalize on previous investments by making the existing system smarter and more efficient through changes to signal timing and enhanced transit service.
Changing our thinking
There has been a long-held assumption that a single connection, such as a highway between I-84 and US 26, was needed to meet traffic demand. Past debate has focused on where that connection would be and which community would bear the burden of a new roadway.
The East Metro Connections Plan process determined that a highway-like connection between I-84 and US 26 won't be needed for vehicle capacity through the year 2035. This means that instead of seeking money to build a single, expanded roadway, future transportation dollars can be focused more locally to improve access and mobility, increase safety and support economic and community goals.