Sherwood’s pedestrian crossing wins Project of the Year award
The pedestrian bridge over Hwy. 99 was recognized by the Oregon Chapter of the American Public Works Association
SHERWOOD, Ore. — Sherwood’s latest landmark development has earned a major recognition.
The Hwy. 99 Pedestrian Crossing was selected as the 2026 Project of the Year by the Oregon Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA), the city announced October 6. The award’s category was in structures between $25-75 million, and was presented during an APWA ceremony on September 30.
The APWA Project of the Year Award recognizes excellence, innovation, and cooperation in the management and administration of public works projects through the collaboration of the managing agency, consultant, and contractor, highlighting projects that demonstrate exceptional achievement in project management, design, construction, safety, and community impact.
According to Sherwood City Manager Craig Sheldon, the project was budgeted for $29.5 million, and came to completion under budget at $28.5 million.
“Cost control was a focus throughout the project.,” Sheldo said. “(The) funding structure allowed the city to combine state funding, locally generated (Urban Renewal Area) resources, and internal financing rather than relying on a $29.5 million general fund expenditure.”
At approximately 900 feet long, the projected total project cost equates to about $31,600 per linear foot. Compared to similar projects, Portland's Blumenauer Bridge is approximately 475 feet long and cost about $19 million, or roughly $40,000 per linear foot. Flanders Crossing is approximately 200 feet long and cost about $9.5 million, or roughly $47,500 per linear foot.
“These are not identical projects, but they provide context for the cost of a large pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the Portland region,” Sheldon said. “The City selected a prefabricated bridge approach as a more cost-effective construction method and worked with bridge manufacturers early in the process to evaluate options and reduce estimated costs.”
Sheldon said the bridge was designed to avoid substantial modification to Hwy. 99.
“Working with ODOT, the spans were fabricated and assembled before being placed over the highway, helping reduce construction impacts, costs, and highway closures,” Sheldon said. “We worked hard to deliver the project responsibly controlling costs, minimizing impacts to Highway 99W, and completing it on schedule and below budget, while making an investment that will serve Sherwood for generations."
The Pedestrian Crossing was recognized for its significant contribution to safety and connectivity in Sherwood, as well as the collaborative effort required to deliver a complex public works project, according to the city.
The bridge opened on August 26, 2025, just in time for the school year to begin, as the bridge connects Sherwood High School with the Sherwood Regional Family YMCA, bridging the city’s pedestrian connection over the highway.
The bridge provides safety and more accessible connections for people traveling on foot or by bicycle between areas of the community.
“This bridge is about more than getting from one side of Highway 99W to the other. It provides a safe connection for our community today while helping build the foundation for Sherwood's future trail system,” Sheldon said. “As Sherwood's trail network continues to develop, it will also serve as an important connection between existing and future trails, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and community facilities.”
