The City of Hillsboro has submitted a project proposal for Metro 2028-30 Regional Flexible Funding that would install Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology along the SW 185^th Avenue corridor.

This new artificially intelligent (AI) or “Smart” combined traffic and rail signaling system would reduce traffic congestion and pedestrian delays at the busy intersection of SW 185^th Avenue and Baseline Road.

The Smart SW 185th Avenue ITS and Better Bus Project would:

• Install new intelligent sensors, such as radars, cameras and detectors along the corridor 
  
  
• Coordinate traffic signals and rail transit signals into an integrated system
  
  
• Adjust traffic signal timing based on real-time traffic detection — reducing delays for people walking, riding or driving on SW 185^th Avenue
  
  
• Improve pedestrian and bicycle safety by ensuring pedestrians are not stranded on corners when trains disrupt the intersection signal timing

Better traffic signal coordination will also accelerate bus service along the SW 185^th corridor by providing priority access for TriMet buses traveling through the intersection. The project would build a slip lane allowing southbound buses to use the right turn lane more efficiently.

Looking Ahead

While this solution is not a permanent fix, it offers significant improvements in managing the growing demand for travel in the corridor.  The Smart SW 185th Avenue ITS and Better Bus Project would use technology to extend the useful life of the at-grade crossing until a permanent solution can be funded.

In the meantime, the City and its partners will continue ongoing efforts to secure federal grants to fund, design and construct a permanent overcrossing of SW 185^th Avenue that will fully separate the MAX rail line from the roadway.

Metro’s regional flexible funds provide federal funding for investments in sidewalks, trails and roadways in communities across the region.

The next round of regional flexible funds are available for 2028 through 2030. The estimated amount available for Step 2 is about $42 million. While 2028 may seem far off, projects will be selected by summer 2025 to prepare the awarded projects for the federal funding process.