Washington County delays decision on 165-day River Road closure after residents raise concerns

The Washington County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 26 paused consideration of a developer request to temporarily close Southwest River Road for up to 165 days to allow construction of a deep sanitary sewer needed for the Witch Hazel Village South development.

County staff and the project applicant had asked the board to authorize a temporary full closure and detour to allow excavation of a 21-inch sewer line that will be as deep as 30 feet in places. After a two-hour public hearing during which dozens of residents raised concerns about notification, traffic detours, school-bus routing and safety, the board voted 4-0 to table the item indefinitely and directed staff to return with a plan for additional outreach and alternatives before any final approval.

The county’s land use and transportation director, Steven Roberts, and county engineer Stacy Shetler described the work as significant and potentially dangerous to perform while allowing two-way traffic. Patrick Espinosa, the applicant’s civil engineer, told the board the team had evaluated alternatives…