At Century West Engineering, we are proud to contribute to infrastructure projects that improve the safety, functionality, and sustainability of our communities. One such project is the Herman Road Improvements (Herman Road) project for the City of Tualatin. With a focus on stormwater management, traffic flow, and community collaboration, this project highlights the power of engineering in enhancing public spaces while protecting natural resources.
Project Overview
The Herman Road Improvements Project is a comprehensive reconstruction of a vital roadway in Tualatin, Oregon. Key upgrades included new pavement, a center left-turn lane to improve traffic flow, and an advanced stormwater management system to handle runoff effectively. The road, frequently used by heavy trucks, needed enhancements to support increasing traffic and protect the surrounding environment.
Innovative Stormwater Management
One of the standout elements of the Herman Road project is the innovative approach to stormwater management. Michael Berggren, PE, who served as the Primary Resident Observer on the project, explained the installation of splash pads and their importance in the system: “The splash pads are designed to catch debris and fine silt before the runoff reaches the stormwater planters. Without them, these planters would clog up much faster, so this simple addition really makes the system more sustainable.”
The stormwater pond, a large swale-like basin, further underscores the project’s environmental focus. As Michael put it, “The pond is designed to infiltrate water and clean it naturally. Ideally, all the water gets absorbed there, and so far, we’ve only seen a couple of inches of standing water at the bottom, which is a great sign.”
The pond not only helps with runoff but also plays a critical role in protecting the nearby stream by filtering the water before it leaves the site. Michael highlighted this aspect: “That stream is directly adjacent to the project, and we wanted to make sure that the water going into it is as clean as possible. The pond is the last stop before the runoff reaches the natural environment.”
Social and Economic Benefits
Beyond the technical aspects, the Herman Road project delivers several social and economic benefits to the Tualatin community. The addition of a center left-turn lane substantially improves traffic flow, especially for large trucks and vehicles accessing nearby businesses. By reducing congestion, the project also supports economic growth in the area, making it easier for customers and suppliers to reach local businesses.
Michael shared his experience working with nearby business owners during construction, particularly with one whose property line needed adjustment: “We had to move his fence back significantly because it was encroaching on city property. It was a delicate situation because it affected his business, but through constant communication, we made sure he understood what was happening and why. In the end, he was very cooperative and even let the crew use part of his property during construction.”
This example demonstrates the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between engineers and the community—a hallmark of Century West’s approach.
Managing Risks and Prioritizing Public Opinion
One of the major challenges of the project was managing public opinion and minimizing disruptions to residents. The City of Tualatin was particularly focused on maintaining good relations with the public and minimizing complaints. Michael’s role was instrumental in ensuring the construction team adhered to guidelines designed to keep traffic moving and reduce inconvenience for the community.
“We couldn’t hold traffic for more than five minutes at a time,” Michael explained. “Contractors prefer to stop traffic altogether to get the work done faster, but I had to ensure that we were balancing progress with respect for the community.”
This attention to detail and responsiveness to public concerns ensured the project proceeded smoothly without alienating the people it was designed to benefit.
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
The Herman Road project offered many lessons in both technical execution and community management. For Michael, one of the most valuable takeaways was the importance of thorough documentation. With a project that spanned over 14 months, the ability to reference photos, notes, and records was critical in answering questions and resolving issues as they arose.
“Good record-keeping is key,” said Michael. “We had to constantly track changes and progress, and being able to refer back to detailed documentation helped us ensure the project stayed on course.”
As for the future, the improvements to Herman Road will likely inspire similar infrastructure projects in the region. With enhanced traffic flow, better stormwater management, and a design focused on long-term sustainability, this project serves as a model for future roadway improvements in Tualatin and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The Herman Road Improvements project is more than just a road upgrade—it’s a reflection of Century West Engineering’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and community collaboration. By integrating innovative stormwater management solutions and maintaining open communication with residents and businesses, the project not only improves infrastructure but also strengthens community relationships.
“In the end, people live and work in these areas, and they should be able to ask what’s going on and feel involved in the process. That’s what we strive to do—make sure people feel connected to the work that’s happening around them,” Michael concluded.
As Tualatin continues to grow, projects like Herman Road set a precedent for thoughtful, community-oriented infrastructure development. By combining innovative engineering with a deep understanding of community needs, we continue to build the roads that keep our communities moving forward—one project at a time.
