Old Highway 47 to close for culvert replacement between Etters Rd, Maple Lane starting Aug. 8

Washington County will close part of Old Highway 47 between Etters Road and Maple Lane in the Seghers community starting Aug. 8 until approximately Sept. 5, officials say. Travelers headed to Hagg Lake and other local attractions are advised to follow a posted detour sign.  

The road closure will allow officials to replace what they describe as a failing culvert undermining a guardrail. The $580,000 project, funded by the County Road Fund, is expected to disrupt access to local homes and Hagg Lakes, forcing drivers to follow an assigned detour until the construction is completed.  

“This project will replace culvert #2224 on SW Old Highway 47 in rural Washington County,” public records from the Washington County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) say. “The culvert is reaching the end of its design life, and loss of the concrete apron at the culvert outlet has led to failure of the road prism,” the records continue.

Washington County Land Use and Transportation has advised Hagg Lake travelers to follow a “signed” detour.

“Headed to Hagg Lake? Old Highway 47 will be closed between Etters Road and Maple Lane Aug. 8- Sept. 5 for a culvert replacement. Follow the signed detour,” an X post from the county’s roads department said.

In an attempt to improve stream flow, the culvert is expected to be replaced with a corrugated metal pipe. Given the presence of a private nursery irrigation facility located immediately upstream of the construction site, Washington County obtained a fish passage exemption from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). To separate the new culvert from the private culvert and irrigation pond outflow, construction workers plan to install a manhole. 

“This project will utilize open excavation techniques for removal and installation,” public records say. “Associated activities include traffic control, protection of fish, wildlife and plants, earthwork, asphalt concrete paving and revegetation. The project will be constructed under a road closure,” records continue. 

When county officials approved the bid award for this project, they noted that the construction window would have an “anticipated substantial completion by Sept. 15, 2025.” The estimated completion date has now been moved to Sept. 5, 2025, a webpage established for the project indicates. 

 A News in the Grove reporter visited the anticipated construction area and found construction workers from Oregon City-based Colton Construction on site, preparing for construction.  

Washington County commissioners awarded the project to Colton Construction   in June of 2025. During the planning process, the ODFW received four public comments about the fish passage exemption request, two in opposition, one in favor and one in neither favor nor opposition to the request. 

For more information on road maintenance, email lutops@washingtoncountyor.gov or call 503-846-7623.