Motorcyclist Fatality Prompts Community Call for Safety Improvements at Highway Intersection
HILLSBORO, OR – Community members gathered on Thursday night to demand safety improvements at the intersection of Scholls Ferry Road and Highway 219 following the fatal motorcycle crash that killed Brandon Henderson on June 15.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the collision involved a motorcycle and a vehicle, resulting in Henderson’s death. Local residents stated they have warned the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for years about safety concerns at the intersection, citing poor visibility and high speeds as contributing factors.
“People have reached out to ODOT many times regarding serious accidents at this intersection, but nothing has been done,” said Olivia Johnson, a resident for much of her life. “We want answers about the preliminary study ODOT mentioned for 2024.”
ODOT spokesperson David House stated the agency evaluates safety through its Safety Priority Index System, which considers crash rates relative to vehicle miles traveled. House confirmed that while the June 15 incident will be reviewed, current crash data does not indicate a pattern warranting immediate safety changes.
“The crash did not qualify for our Vulnerable User Crash Response Program because it did not involve pedestrians or bicyclists,” House said. However, he noted that the fatal crash could still prompt further evaluation through other safety review processes.
Residents are seeking a timeline for the agency’s evaluation of the intersection and interim safety measures while ODOT conducts its review. Jalisa Henderson, the victim’s wife, emphasized the need for meaningful change to prevent future tragedies.
“Please keep fighting with us until real changes are made,” she urged attendees at the community meeting.