Weight limit placed on 227th Avenue Bridge over Rock Creek

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Traffic accross the bridge over Rock Creek on 227th Avenue is now restricted to one lane and a 13-ton weight limit is in effect as of Sept. 27. The 13-ton weight limit and lane restriction will remain in place until further notice.

All vehicles exceeding the posted weight limit must use an alternate route. Travelers must stop at the stop signs at each end of the bridge and take turns to cross.

Weight limit placed on 227th Avenue bridge over Rock Creek
Original release: 9/21/16

Hillsboro, Ore. - A 3-ton weight limit on the 227th Avenue Bridge over Rock Creek, north of Quatama Road, went into effect on Sept. 20 after an inspection report detected deteriorated timber pilings.

Starting within the next week, traffic on the bridge will be reduced to one lane, which will improve the weight limit to 13 tons, until the bridge is either repaired or replaced. The timing of the lane restriction depends on weather.  

"The bridge was built in 1960 and is well beyond its design life," said Dave Schamp, manager, Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation (LUT) Operations and Maintenance Division. "But due to funding constraints and its location, repairs were not a priority. Closing the bridge is our least preferred option and we will do everything reasonable to keep the bridge open. That may mean, however, keeping only one lane open until repairs or replacement can be completed." 

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) notified LUT on Sept. 20 that the weight limit must be posted immediately. The state's July 2016 inspection of the bridge identified the need to replace deteriorated timber pilings. If repairs are not completed by Oct. 15, ODOT recommends closure of the bridge. 

The bridge is safe for normal traffic not exceeding the posted weight limits, which will be enforced by the Washington County Sheriff's Office Motor Carrier Officers. 

The 227th Avenue Bridge (Bridge No. 1323) is 92 feet long, 20 feet wide and is constructed of timber. Washington County has 14 weight-limited bridges. That number is expected to increase as the County's road and bridge maintenance needs continue to outpace available funding.  

For more information, contact the Operations and Maintenance Division at 503-846-ROAD (846-7623) or [email protected]. 

Washington County is committed to planning, building and maintaining a great transportation system, ensuring the safety of all roadway users, and operating the County roadway system in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.

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