Overview > Options

Alternatives to be Studied

The purpose of this project is to address the problem of inadequate transportation facilities in the outer southwest quadrant of the Portland metropolitan area to serve the growing demand for regional and intrastate travel access to the area’s federal and state highways (I-5 and 99W), while considering the need for local arterial access to the state highway system.

The I-5 to 99W Connector project is being developed as a two-phase process. Phase 1 is currently under way and will identify a transportation solution concept and location. This phase will result in an amendment to the Metro Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). Phase 2 would include a draft and final environmental impact statement (EIS) if one of the proposed connector options is included in the RTP.

The adopted range of alternatives contains solutions in each of the following five main categories. At this stage in the project process a no-build alternative and five build alternatives are being comparatively evaluated at a planning-level of detail. Please click the Learn More links below to access maps, and to learn more about each proposed alternative.

1. Alternative 1: No Build- The No-Build alternative provides the baseline against which other solutions can be compared. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines require that a no-build option be evaluated. The No-Build Alternative would maintain the existing roadways except for committed improvements. Learn More >

2. Alternative 2: Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Transportation System Management (TSM) - TDM/TSM includes transportation system improvements that help reduce single driver vehicle use, enhance pedestrian/bicycle systems, improve mass transit, and upgrade intersections and signal timing within the project area.Alternative 2 includes the following categories of improvements to the existing transportation system:

   • Parking supply management
   • Transit pass subsidies
   • Enhanced transit service
   • Park-and-ride facilities
   • Bicycle and pedestrian facilities
   • Carpool/vanpool/rideshare programs, and telecommuting/flex-time.
   Learn More >

3. Alternative 3: Enhanced Existing System Alternative (EESA) – This alternative focuses on ways to significantly improve the area’s existing roadway system (including the TDM/TSM ideas) without pursuing a new, major connector between I-5 and Highway 99W. Unlike the TDM/TSM Alternative, the EESA Alternative proposes significant multi-modal capacity and operational improvements to the existing transportation network, largely within the project study area. The EESA Alternative includes all improvements in the TDM/TSM Alternative. Learn More >
4. Alternative 4: Connector Corridor 4D [Within the UGB]- Alternative 4 is a proposed new, limited access highway connection between 99W and I-5 with a midpoint access for an extended 124th Avenue. Portions 99W, 124th Avenue, and Tualatin-Sherwood Road would also be improved as a part of this alternative. In addition, a collector/distributor system along I-5 would be included to accommodate a new interstate access. Click here to view a map of Alternative 4 (4D)
5. Alternative 5: Connector Corridor 4E [Within the UGB]– Alternative 5 is similar to Alternative 4 except the connection to 99W is moved closer to the Sherwood Town Center. Both Alternatives 4 and 5 are located largely within the existing urban growth boundary (UGB) and would not require an Oregon Land Use Goal 14 Exception. Click here to view a map of Alternative 5 (4E)
6. Alternative 6: Connector Corridor 5B [Outside, or partially outside the UGB] - Alternative 6 is also a new limited access highway connection between 99W and I-5 but a significant portion of it extends outside the UGB. As in alternatives 4 and 5, improvements to Highway 99W, 124th Avenue, and Tualatin-Sherwood Road would be included in this alternative. In order for any solution to be constructed outside the UGB, it will be necessary to demonstrate that no reasonable solution can be implemented within the UGB. Solutions in this category will require an exception to state planning rules. Click here to view a map of Alternative 6

Several alternatives have been eliminated from the intial Range of Alternatives. Click here to view the alternative solutions that were eliminated by the PSC in their August 22nd, 2007 meeting.