County Officials Discuss Welches Road Pathway, Construction Set for 2028

By Marie Kennedy, The Mountain Times

More than 30 people attended the Hoodland Community Planning Organization meeting Sept. 17 to hear the latest plans for the Welches Road pedestrian path.

Clackamas County transportation officials said the project has reached 60% design and is scheduled for construction in summer 2028. Project manager Mike Ward said the timeline was pushed back to allow time for the county to acquire needed rights of way.

The project will receive approximately $3 million from the county’s local vehicle registration fee, with additional funding from system development charges paid by developers. Assistant Transportation Director Mike Beser said it is one of six high-priority capacity projects funded throughout the county.

The eight-foot-wide path will change materials and configuration along the route based on topography, utilities, trees and impacts on private property.

A concrete path will run through the commercial area between Highway 26 and Huckleberry Drive. From Huckleberry to Fairway Avenue, an asphalt path will follow the east side of Welches Road, separated from traffic by a 9-foot drainage ditch.

At Fairway, the path will cross Welches Road using a rectangular rapid flashing beacon and continue along the west side with a 6-foot drainage ditch. Near Woodruff Way, it will cross Welches Road again and connect with the existing path. Both crossings will have flashing beacons.

Several residents urged the county to extend the project to Birdie Lane, describing that stretch as the most dangerous section for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers.

“It was money. I mean, that’s number one,” Beser said of the decision to shorten the project.

The extension is not included in the funded project, but Beser said the county will explore whether a narrower walking path or other safety improvements could be added.

Residents also raised concerns about speeding. County traffic engineers will consider radar feedback signs and sharrows, painted road markings reminding drivers that bicyclists share the lane.

The project will require the removal of some trees, although the number has not been determined. The county will consult an arborist and seek CPO input before choosing replacement trees. Officials will also review responsibility for snow removal and other path maintenance.

The county plans to return with a 90% design update at the CPO’s March 18 meeting. A chip seal project on Welches Road from Highway 26 to Roberts Road is scheduled for next year.

The CPO’s October meeting will feature the two candidates for Clackamas County sheriff. It will begin at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of October at Mt. Hood Oregon Resort.