Efforts to improve traffic flow and safety at the busy intersection of Southwest 185th Avenue and Baseline Road are in the works with a push for new funding to upgrade the area’s transportation infrastructure.

The city of Hillsboro has submitted a proposal for Metro’s 2028-30 Regional Flexible Funding to install Intelligent Transportation System technology along the Southwest 185th Avenue corridor, according to a city release. The intersection — long identified as a priority by Washington County, TriMet, and the cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton — serves as a critical link for commuters, transit riders and pedestrians near the MAX crossing.

If approved, the project would introduce an artificially intelligent traffic and rail coordination system designed to reduce congestion and pedestrian delays. Deemed the “Smart S.W. 185th Avenue ITS and Better Bus Project”, the initiative would use intelligent sensors such as radars, cameras and detectors, as well as integrating traffic and rail signals into a unified system.

The improvements would adjust signal timing based on real-time traffic conditions, reducing delays for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. The system would also improve safety by ensuring pedestrians are not stranded on corners when trains disrupt intersection signals.

“Better traffic signal coordination will also accelerate bus service along the Southwest 185th corridor by providing priority access for TriMet buses traveling through the intersection,” the city of Hillsboro said in a release. “The project would build a slip lane allowing southbound buses to use the right turn lane more efficiently.”

City officials say the upgrades won’t be a permanent fix — but they would help manage increasing traffic congestion in the corridor. For the purpose of the project, the technology would extend the life of the at-grade crossing until a long-term solution is funded.

Efforts to secure federal grants for the design and construction of a permanent overcrossing at Southwest 185th Avenue remain ongoing. The proposed overpass would fully separate the MAX rail line from vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Metro’s Regional Flexible Funds, which support federal transportation projects, will distribute approximately $42 million in the next funding cycle. While the funds won’t be available until 2028, projects will be selected by summer 2025 to advance in the federal funding process.

Community members can provide feedback on the proposal through Metro’s online survey, which remains open until Wednesday, April 30. Metro prioritizes projects with strong public support, and local leaders encourage residents to share their input.

For more information or to participate in the survey, visit Metro’s Regional Flexible Funding webpage.