A missing section of the Fanno Creek Trail, nearly a decade in the making, is nearing completion.
The new section of trail will connect from where the Fanno Creek Trail now ends at Denny Road to where it picks back up near SW Allen Boulevard and Scholls Ferry Road.
Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) initially reported that the trail could be completed as early as December 1st. When I rode my bike to check it out just before Christmas, however, I found there was still a sign on SW 105th saying the trail was closed ahead.
I figured I’d check out what I could see from the edge of the closed section but when I rode on I found the trail kept on going without any fences or barriers blocking it off.
The new section is well paved and provides a fairly direct route between the current end points of the Fanno Creek Trail. It features a bridge over Fanno Creek as well as a series of smaller bridges over low areas which, hopefully, will prevent the trail from flooding as often as it does in other areas.
All of the bridges are constructed of plastic and wood composite boards which look like they’ll hold up well to bicycle traffic and Oregon’s wet climate.
Further on down the trail I met a construction crew putting finishing touches on the trail. They explained that, despite there being no barriers or fences, the trail was in fact closed to the public. According to the crew on site during my visit, construction will be finished and the trail will open on December 30th.
After I visited, one of our readers contacted me to say that as of December 24th the new section trail had been fenced off and is inaccessible.
I’ll be checking out the new section of the Fanno Creek Trail in the new year and will share more once the it is officially open.
If you do try to check out the trail yourself, use caution and be sure to obey all posted signs and the direction of construction crews on site.
Were you able to check out the trail before it was fenced off? Be sure to share your impressions in the comments below.
— Read more Washington County bike news here. Contact Will Vanlue, will [at] bikeportland.org with tips and feedback.