Road Design and Construction Standards

The Washington County Board of Commissioners adopted the Road Design and Construction Standards (Ordinance 738) on February 15, 2011, which became effective on March 18, 2011.  The new standards replace the 1998 Uniform Road Improvement Design Standards (Ordinance 524).  The Road Design and Construction Standards establish the technical engineering design and construction requirements for public road and bridge improvements under Washington County's jurisdiction.  They are based on modern design principles as well as practical construction methods, and are intended to:

• provide a safe and reliable multi-modal transportation system;
• preserve, protect, and improve the public transportation infrastructure;
• ensure the long-term viability of the transportation system; and
• avoid unnecessary and excessive maintenance and replacement costs.

The road standards specify the technical requirements for the design and construction of public roadways.  The Washington County 2020 Transportation Plan, Community Plans and Community Development Code provide guidance in the development of the communities through which the roadways pass.  In concert, all of these regulatory documents are intended to help create 'complete' communities where transportation needs and livability are well-balanced.  Among other revisions, the Road Design and Construction Standards incorporate roadway classification terminology that is consistent with the Transportation Plan and Community Development Code. 

How do I get a Copy?

The electronic files may be downloaded below.

Comments/Suggestions?

Comments and suggestions regarding the Road Design and Construction Standards may be submitted using the Electronic form at the bottom of this page or by fax (503) 846-7910.

Note:  "Private" street standards are addressed in Section 409 of the Community Development Code.

Download Files

Document Downloads

The following files are for the production of project plan sets associated with Washington County projects only. (Click link to download ZIP files):

Road Design and Construction Standards
Comments and Suggestions Form