Stafford, 65th, Ellingsen roundabout project, now fully funded, enters planning and design phase

The $13.6 million project to build a new roundabout at the intersection of Stafford Road, Ellingsen Road and 65th Avenue is fully funded, with planning and design beginning this month.

As described on the project website, the work is meant to reduce congestion, improve traveler safety and provide a safe passage for fish and wildlife through waterways. The project will convert the intersection into a one-lane roundabout, widen travel lanes to 12 feet and add sidewalks and bike lanes.

It will also replace the culvert at Boeckman Creek under the intersection on the north end of the intersection, add a culvert under the west end and construct stormwater facilities to treat water runoff, the website said.

The project is funded in part through the Clackamas County Community Road Fund and Transportation System Development Charges. The charges, also referred to as SDCs, are one-time fees charged to developers to help fund infrastructure improvements.

In March, the Washington County Coordinating Committee approved $1.7 million towards the project, and on Jan. 18 the Wilsonville City Council voted to contribute $1 million to the intersection improvements. Clackamas County has jurisdiction over the intersection and is leading the project, but Wilsonville will be involved in the planning and design of the roundabout.

Project manager Jonathan Hangartner said in an email that an engineering consultant will collect information about existing conditions in the coming months with a topographic survey, geotechnical explorations, hydraulic and environmental studies and more.

The planning and design phase is expected to last from July 2024 through winter of 2026, and right of way acquisition efforts will begin in fall of 2025 and last through spring of 2027. Construction will begin in spring 2027 and last through winter 2028 or 2029.