Bridging the gap: Cornelius Pass bridge brings communities together

Connectivity is the cornerstone of a thriving community. A well-connected neighborhood offers numerous benefits, from stimulating economic growth by attracting new businesses to enhancing quality of life by encouraging social interaction—all of which contributes to the overall vitality of an area. Just imagine living in a place where most everything you need is so accessible that your vehicle becomes a luxury rather than a necessity. 

A well-planned neighborhood is built with these connections in mind. And, having been named in the top five master-planned communities in the country, we know a little something about how to do it. Located in South Hillsboro, Reed’s Crossing features a variety of housing options, new schools, an integrated health and fitness center, senior living options, shopping, dining, over 80 acres of planned open space, miles of walking and biking paths, and—as of August 2024—a brand-new bridge that connects us to our neighbors!

Construction on the Cornelius Pass Road Bridge broke ground in October 2022 and recently marked its completion with a ribbon-cutting event in late August. Designed by KPFF and our partners at AKS Engineering & Forestry, the single-span concrete bridge is an impressive structure featuring two vehicle lanes, a center median, raised cycle tracks, and sidewalks. It will also include a pedestrian bridge suspended underneath, expanding the network of walking routes through South Hillsboro. One of Washington County's longest single-span bridges, only the River Road Bridge surpasses it.

What’s not included in all these facts, though, is how it will improve the lives of the people who live here. After all, it’s not until a bridge is closed that you truly value it! For many, the new bridge will make it quicker to get to work or school. It will make popping to the shops or picking up dinner easier. It will open up more opportunities to connect with your neighbors through events and shared spaces like parks and playgrounds. In short, linking the communities of South Hillsboro will make the area stronger and a more desirable place to live—not just for our residents, but for everyone. 

Master-planned communities offer an advantage over traditional neighborhoods due to their meticulous planning. Unlike the haphazard growth of older neighborhoods, these communities are designed with a holistic vision in mind, leading to a higher quality of life for residents. In many ways, master-planned communities like ours bridge the gaps you might find in older neighborhoods, including: 

1. Onsite shops and services to supply the community’s needs
2. Schools that are close enough for children to walk to
3. Parks, playgrounds, and green spaces that are accessible to every home
4. Streets connected by a variety of routes, whether you’re on wheels or on foot

Connection is one of the main pillars of what we call thrivability, and one of the key benefits of master-planned communities is the abundance of amenities that encourage residents to spend more time outdoors and engage with their neighbors. From swimming pools, fitness centers, and playgrounds to firepits, gardens, and skate parks, these developments cater to a wide range of interests and lifestyles, which in turn fosters a stronger and more diverse community.

Master-planned communities also prioritize convenience. Due to the relatively small acreage of Reed’s Crossing, everything within the community is less than a mile apart and you’ll never be more than ~5 homes away from a walking path. We’re proud to boast 4x the required amount of open space, with 6 parks open and more to come in the future, all accessible without ever having to get in the car. And now, thanks to the new bridge and pedestrian walkway, the residents of South Hillsboro can go even further. 

Got questions about life in Hillsboro? Come by for a visit, see homes for sale in the area, or sneak a peek at what’s in store for the future.