About
We're working with the City of Banks and Washington County to improve safety and address future traffic needs at the intersection of OR 6 and NW Aerts Road.
OR 6 and Aerts Road Intersection
There are five legs for vehicles to use when approaching this intersection. There is also a proposed land development along the northwest corner of the intersection which will realign the Washington Avenue connection and help address existing safety concerns at this intersection
With the intersection having a history of crashes, the City of Banks and Washington County explored potential solutions while developing their Transportation System Plan (TSP). After first evaluating stop control and traffic signal alternatives, it was determined:
- These options would not meet future capacity requirements.
- They would cause excessive traffic queuing along the highway.
- They would potentially increase the number of rear-end crashes.
For these reasons, the TSP identified a single lane roundabout with separate westbound right turn lane was the best long-term solution to the traffic safety and capacity issues at the OR 6 and NW Aerts Road intersection for the next 20 years.
Roundabouts can reduce fatal crashes by up to 90% and injury crashes by 75%, according to the Federal Highway Administration. They also reduce conflict points and encourage slower, safer driving speeds.
The roundabout is being designed to accommodate the types of vehicles that currently use this intersection, including school buses, farm equipment, trucks with trailers and oversize freight trucks.
Schedule
Design: 2024-2025
Construction: 2025 -2027
Location
OR 6
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Intersection of OR 6 and NW Aerts Road east of Banks
Cost and Funding
Design and construction estimated to cost roughly $6 million.
Project funded by local and private funds.