Drivers who use NW Walker Road between Hillsboro and Beaverton will need a new route starting August 3.

Washington County is fully closing the road between NW 174th Terrace and NW Cambray Street through Monday, December 1, 2026, to replace an aging culvert where Willow Creek passes beneath the pavement.

The closure cuts through the heart of Bethany and Cedar Mill, and vehicles will be detoured onto Cornell Road via signed routes. Neighborhood streets in the area will remain open but restricted to local access, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Why the road is closing

The existing Willow Creek culvert is being replaced with a larger structure. According to Washington County's July 23 news release, the new culvert will support healthier creek conditions, allow wildlife to pass safely under the roadway, and improve water flow.

The county is also raising the road 8 to 10 feet at the crossing, eliminating a dip that limits drivers' sight lines. The elevation change will give motorists a clearer view of the road ahead and more time to react to hazards.

Part of a bigger project

The culvert work is one piece of the Walker Road Phase 3 Improvement Project, which covers the stretch between NW 173rd Avenue and NW 185th Avenue. When finished, that segment will have two travel lanes in each direction, buffered bike lanes, improved sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps, enhanced streetlighting, upgraded stormwater drainage, and corridor landscaping.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 on Monday, May 19, 2026, to award the construction contract to Tapani, Inc. Stephen Roberts, director of Washington County Land Use & Transportation, presented the project update at that session, according to board minutes.

How to get more information

Residents with questions can contact Washington County Land Use & Transportation at 503-846-7800 or [email protected]. Project details are available at washingtoncountyor.gov/lut/projects/walker-road-phase-3.

The county's planned reopening date is Monday, December 1, 2026.