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St. Helens Project Receives Statewide Transportation Project of the Year Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2025
St. Helens, Ore. – The City of St. Helens’ South 1st Street and Strand Street Road and Utilities Extension Project (Phase One) has received the 2025 Project of the Year Award in the transportation category from the Oregon Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA). The award was presented at the Oregon APWA Chapter Conference in Bend, Oregon on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
The Oregon APWA Project of the Year award recognizes excellence, innovation, and cooperation with regard to management and administration of public works projects through the alliance of the managing agency, consultant, and contractor. Awards are given in five categories which includes structures, transportation, environment, historical restoration/preservation, and disaster or emergency construction/repair. The City of St. Helens project was awarded in $5 million to $25 million division.
The recognition celebrates the City’s ongoing efforts to invest in infrastructure that strengthens the St. Helens community, enhances safety, creates a foundation for new economic opportunities, and reconnects the community to the waterfront. Phase One of the Streets and Utilities Extension Project is a key component of the City’s Waterfront Redevelopment Project to transform over 200 acres of underutilized properties into a community-centered riverfront district and commercial and industrial economic hub. By extending and improving streets, upgrading utilities, and creating pedestrian-friendly spaces, the project sets the stage for future development, community gathering spaces, commercial businesses, and housing to bring new life to the waterfront.
Streets and Utilities Extension Project Phase One highlights include:
- Improved infrastructure connections for the community: South 1st Street was extended south to a new Tualatin Street intersection to prepare for a new city block. In future construction phases, this extension will continue to Plymouth Street, providing smoother access between neighborhoods and the Riverfront District and an alternative access to the downtown area.
- A safer, more walkable waterfront: Strand Street was redesigned into a one-way street on the north end with an elevated pedestrian connection to the Plaza Square and new pedestrian plaza. Existing intersection crosswalk distances were shortened on South 1st Street with bulb outs to slow vehicle traffic. A Bluff Trail was constructed which connects South 1st Street to Nob Hill Nature Park, Plymouth Street, and the Nob Hill residential neighborhood at South 2nd Street. New ADA pedestrian connections were made to Columbia View Park and the Riverwalk trail. These improvements create an inviting space for people to enjoy the many community events held on the waterfront, stroll, shop, and enjoy views of the river.
- Upgraded infrastructure for economic growth: Improvements to existing water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems and an extension of utilities onto the City’s Riverfront Property ensure reliable services for current and future residents and businesses.
- A cleaner, more attractive streetscape: Overhead power and utility lines were placed underground, improving safety and reliability of services while reducing skyline clutter and creating a more open, appealing business district. Seatwalls with landscaped planters were installed, along with light poles to match the historic district’s architectural standards.
The project was managed entirely in-house by the City’s Public Works Director and Engineering Division. Their leadership and hands-on management delivered a high-quality project, ensured community priorities were central to the process, and reduced the project cost by saving the expenses of a third-party project manager. The core project team included City of St. Helens Public Works Director Mouhamad Zaher, Engineering Manager Sharon Darroux, and Engineer II Alex Bird. City staff worked closely with Otak engineers and Moore Excavation, Inc. to execute the project.
More information about the City’s Waterfront Redevelopment Project can be found online at https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/waterfront.
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For further information regarding the APWA Project of the Year award, please contact Communications Officer Crystal King at cking@sthelensoregon.gov.
