Since 2023, Century West has partnered with the City of Wilsonville (City) to deliver street maintenance improvements through a series of coordinated, multi-year programs. The program’s focus is on extending pavement life, improving accessibility, and supporting safe travel for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and people using mobility devices across the city.
As design begins for the City’s 2025–2028 Street Maintenance Program, Project Engineer Austin Gernhart, PE, reflects on what makes Wilsonville’s approach effective and why our partnership continues to succeed.
Planning with Purpose
Rather than addressing streets one at a time, Wilsonville uses a structured, long-range approach to pavement maintenance. According to Austin, the City relies on detailed roadway data to guide decisions.
This system helps City staff balance safety needs, budgets, and long-term goals, while also providing transparency to the community.
“It’s not just ‘we’re paving this street because someone asked,’” Austin explained. “There’s a system behind it, and that matters when you’re being thoughtful with public funds.”
Collaboration That Works
One of the standout aspects of the program has been Century West’s working relationship with City staff.
“Paving can seem straightforward, but it’s one of the things residents notice the most,” Austin said. “There has always been great communication about expectations, and when issues come up, we can talk through them and find solutions.”
This collaborative mindset has helped keep projects moving efficiently and has contributed to the program’s continuity.
Data-Driven Design and Accessibility
Each phase of the street maintenance program includes corridor-specific pavement evaluations, ADA curb ramp inspections, and targeted design recommendations. Those behind-the-scenes investigations play a key role in stretching the City’s maintenance dollars.
“Our geotechnical team helps determine the actual design life of the pavement,” Austin said. “Sometimes that means realizing a road needs full reconstruction ASAP. Other times, it means the road is in better condition than we thought. In that case, we can minimize the treatment, save money, and do more work elsewhere.”
ADA accessibility is another major focus.
“Even in well-maintained cities, there are always opportunities to improve accessibility, especially in older infrastructure,” Austin said. “Addressing those gaps is part of why we become engineers. Every resident deserves the ability to move through their community safely and comfortably.”
Construction Through Communication
During construction, Century West works closely with contractors and City inspectors to verify details like striping layouts and ADA curb ramps. Austin credits much of that success to proactive communication with City staff and their active role in coordination.
“For concrete pours, once it’s happening, it’s happening,” he said. “Reviewing forms ahead of time helps avoid last-minute issues.”
That same collaborative approach extends beyond the job site. Some street segments have required coordination with outside agencies, including Clackamas County, ODOT, and Portland and Western Railroad, and the City has played a key role in keeping those efforts aligned.
“Getting everyone on the same page can be challenging,” Austin said. “Having the City involved in that coordination was really important.”
Simple site visits, phone calls, and flexibility help keep projects on track.
“It’s about being available,” he continued. “If there’s a window to check something, you go check it.”
Streets People Can See and Feel
The programs have included buffered green bike lanes, upgraded crossings, ADA curb ramps, and improved striping. These improvements support safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life.
“Safety is always the priority,” Austin said. “But it’s also about making travel easier and more efficient for everyone in the community.”
For Austin, the visible impact of the work is one of the most rewarding parts.
“You can finish a project and see an immediate improvement,” he said. “People notice that, and they appreciate it.”
As Century West moves forward with the 2025–2028 Street Maintenance Program, the focus remains on thoughtful planning, collaboration, and infrastructure that serves the Wilsonville community now and into the future.