On September 17, the Beaverton City Council reviewed the Staff Recommended Plan for the Millikan Way Extension, discussing a phased implementation approach. Three near-term project options were presented: 

• Option A: SW Watson Avenue to SW East Avenue
• Option B: SW Watson Avenue to SW Hall Boulevard
• Option C: A solution minimizing the project footprint without relocating businesses, which received strong support from the Council.

Councilors emphasized the importance of safety features, bike facilities, and improved intersections but suggested changes to sidewalk widths and Flex Zones. The project team will amend contracts and aims to present a concept plan by spring 2025.
Additionally, two community open houses held in May gathered input from attendees, with feedback reflecting excitement and concerns about the proposal.

More information is available in the Community Open Houses Recap on the project's Project Library page.

​The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBRP) is an initiative focused on replacing the existing I-5 Bridge over the Columbia River to enhance safety and alleviate congestion. This project could impact Washington County by improving regional connectivity, supporting economic development, and providing safer travel options for all residents. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate in discussions as the project progresses. Click here to review the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) page to learn more about the SEIS, the executive summary, and technical reports. Click here to submit your comments.

​The public comment period is open now until November 18th.

Event opportunities: 

• Draft SEIS Public Briefing October 1st 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm 
• IBR Office Hours October 3rd 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm in person and virtual
• Portland St. Johns Farmers Market October 5th 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
• IBR Office Hours October 8th 8:00 am - 11:00 am in person and virtual

The 2024 Get There Car Free Challenge has kicked off! Join today by pledging to drive less from Sept. 16–22 and logging trips taken using transportation options for the chance to win prizes.

The Challenge will celebrate World Car Free Day, which is an annual, international event that aims to raise awareness about the many benefits of driving less.
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The City of Beaverton is updating its Transportation System Plan and how the city designs and invests in the future of Beaverton's streets. Join the City of Beaverton for a community workshop Saturday October 19 to help shape the goals and vision for this plan. 

Register here for the event. Note, registration is optional but appreciated!

Metro and TriMet have launched a survey to invite feedback on potential station locations for FX Bus on TV Highway. The project team will be at community events throughout the corridor over the next month. Metro and TriMet are promoting the survey to Line 57 riders on the bus, at stops and at community spaces.
 
The TV Highway Transit Project is exploring a new kind of bus service called Frequent Express (FX) for Tualatin Valley Highway. FX would create bus stations with more amenities, improved transit speeds and reliability, and safer pedestrian connections to bus stations on TV Highway.
 
Share your feedback on proposed station locations for an FX line on TV Highway. An online survey is open now through Oct. 13. The survey is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Take the survey and enter to win a family pass to the Oregon Zoo or a TriMet month pass.
 
Check out this interactive StoryMap to learn more about the TV Highway Transit Project and proposed station locations. The StoryMap is also available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

WTA talks with lots of people that have made transportation options part of their regular commute habits. In this ongoing series we highlight the stories of some of these folks. Let us know if you'd like to be the subject of a future interview to help share your story and inspire others! 

We're happy to present our interview with David! 

How long have you been using transportation options to commute?
I've always walked or ridden TriMet to get to work. Sometimes I ride the bike for part of the distance but mostly I walk. I have done this for the last 9 years for work. 

What is your preferred way of getting around?
When I can walk somewhere, I'm happy. Some people hate to walk under the rain or when it's over 86 degrees in the summer. I see it as my preparation to one day be in my 80s and my body being in better shape than those of people who mostly drove at my current age. 

What do you like most about it?
That I can usually listen to my podcasts as well. I really like that, plus, depending on where I'm going, I also enjoy the landscape or the beauty of the neighborhood, and seeing new businesses opening that I didn't know about.

Have you encountered any challenges and how have you overcome them?
Yes, I have encountered plenty, from finding myself in not so safe neighborhoods to stepping on biohazards left by people experiencing homelessness. I have been challenged in this simple pleasure of mine. I try to keep my running shoes in good shape, I made a habit of walking with a flashlight for winter times, and not reading anything on my phone to avoid getting distracted and it works! It's a relief that it gives me a break from my device.

What advice would you give to someone using a new mode of transportation?
I would tell them to give themselves some time to adapt, that they will feel like quitting at moments when things get uncomfortable. We all need to know that our bodies adapt better to their environments when they are challenged, when we sweat, when we use the muscles in our core and our legs, just like working out. This is very important for our survival as a living organism and for mental health as well.

What's the most fun thing you've experienced using transportation options?
When walking, recreationally or for commuting, I find it mesmerizing to observe nature. I have found wild bunny rabbits in almost every neighborhood, red hawks hunting their prey, and other fascinating fauna. 

Opt-in, and log your trip riding on the Westside Better Red MAX extension on GetThereOregon.org for a chance to win $20 of Hop Fastpass fare value.

Users must log at least one Transit trip with a start or end point in Washington County between Sunday, August 25 and Saturday, August 31 to be eligible. Trips can be logged until Sunday, September 1. Winners will be chosen and notified by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 2.