Transportation in Tigard
In the City of Tigard, transportation has played a major role in shaping the community.
From the first railroad tracks that established Tigardville to the development of
Pacific Hwy/99W straight through its center,
Tigard's commercial areas developed
along primary routes and residential followed nearby.
Today mobility issues continue to influence the daily experiences of Tigard
residents and businesses. Three state highways criss-cross Tigard: Pacific Hwy/99W,
Interstate 5, and Highway 217. While these major roadways provide
exceptional access to Tigard, frequent traffic congestion is a significant
concern for access to and travel within Tigard. These roadways also contribute
to sometimes challenging conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
The original railroad tracks are still used for freight, and now also serve
passenger trains as the alignment for the
Westside
Express Service (WES),
one of the few U.S. suburban-to-suburban commuter rail lines. This complements
two Transit Centers within the City that provide regional bus service.
In addition, the regional Fanno Creek Trail provides an alternative route
for bicyclists and pedestrians to travel along the creek. The effectiveness
and performance of all of these transportation options impact land uses,
current and future, as well as transportation facility planning.
The City of Tigard is taking a long-range view in planning for the future
transportation needs to serve the community. This includes working in
partnership with planners from the state of Oregon, Metro regional
government, TriMet, Washington County, and neighboring jurisdictions.