Most of our services are available remotely - online, by phone or via U.S. Mail - 24 hours/day, seven days a week. In-person Services: Appointments required at the Walnut Street Center. See Office Locations and Business Hours.
Reflective Signal Backplates Improve Safety
Reflective signal backplates are the yellow borders around traffic signal heads that help drivers see the signal more easily. To understand how well they work, Washington County reviewed crash data from intersections where reflective backplates were added. The analysis showed a 15% reduction in crashes after installation.
Based on this study, Washington County developed a Crash Modification Factor (CMF) for reflective signal backplates. A CMF is a number used by Traffic Engineers to calculate how much a safety improvement can reduce crashes. The CMF developed by Washington County is the first U.S. based study to be included in FHWA’s Clearinghouse CMF database and is available for other agencies and practitioners to use.
Slow Down in North Plains
A new traffic pattern, with lowered speed limits, will go into effect on Gordon Road-Mountaindale Road beginning Wednesday, January 21.
Slow down and be alert while drivers adjust to the changes.
STOP SIGN CHANGES:
- North Road: ALL traffic must stop at the intersection of Gordon Road and Mountaindale Road, including before making right turns. Rolling right turns are no longer allowed.
- Gordon Road: Traffic will continue through the intersection without stopping.
NEW SPEED LIMITS:
- 35 mph on Gordon Road from 150 feet south of Vadis Road to North Road
- 40 mph on Mountaindale Road from North Road to 100 feet west of Old Pumpkin Ridge Road
Why these changes? Washington County studied the intersection to improve safety. The Oregon Department of Transportation approved the speed limit reductions after requests from Washington County, the City of North Plains and the members of the community.
These changes are expected to help drivers and cyclists move more safely and effectively.
Questions or suggestions? If you have a question or want to request improvements to traffic safety on Washington County roads, contact our Traffic Division.
Report potholes, overgrown vegetation, damaged signs, streetlight and traffic signal issues and other road and traffic-related concerns.
View technical engineering design and construction requirements for public improvements.