Drivers who have been detouring around Stafford Road since May 2025 will get some relief starting Tuesday, Sept. 1, when Clackamas County reopens the stretch between Rosemont Road and Childs Road.

The reopening marks the near-finish of a $12.5 million construction project that added a roundabout at Childs Road, realigned Johnson Road to eliminate a dangerous intersection skew, widened portions of Stafford Road to add bike lanes, and replaced the Pecan Creek culvert at Childs Road with a larger, fish-passable structure.

County staffer Mike Ward told the Lake Oswego Review on Monday that the new roundabout is complete and the project is running about 5% over its initial contract price, still within budget range.

"Previously traffic was in excess of the speed limit. This will slow people down. The roundabout geometry requires drivers to go slower and makes it significantly safer at that point of conflict," Ward said.

One more closure remains. In September, Stafford Road and Johnson Road will shut to through traffic from north of Pattulo Way to south of Childs Road for the final construction phase. The county expects the entire corridor to reopen by Oct. 1.

After that date, some construction will continue under flagging through Dec. 31, according to the county's project page. Drivers should expect brief delays but will no longer face full closures or detours.

The project also added a southbound left-turn lane at Johnson Road to reduce congestion and improved sight distance at that intersection by reducing steep slopes. Ward said the changes will cut commute times and make the corridor safer for cyclists.

"I think it's going to significantly increase safety as well as reduce the amount of time people spend in their cars," Ward said. "The congestion on Childs was really significant."

The total project estimate, including design work that began in March 2021 and right-of-way acquisition through December 2024, is $18 million, funded by Community Road Funds and Transportation System Development Charges. The $12.5 million figure Ward cited refers to the construction contract specifically.

During closures, the county's signed detour has routed traffic via I-205, I-5, Boones Ferry Road and County Club Road. The Lakewood Center arts venue in Stafford had advised visitors to allow five to 10 extra minutes of travel time.

Flagging operations will wrap up by Dec. 31.