Four Block Section of 10th Avenue to be Converted to Two-Way Operation on Nov. 29

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ November 2 , 2005 CONTACT: Tom Larsen, Traffic Engineer, 682-4959 From Public nformation Section, 682-5523 or 954-2938 FOR IMMED ATE RELEASE I Four Blo k Section of 10th Avenue to Be Converted to Two-Way Operation on Nov. 29 The f ur-block section of 10th Avenue between Willamette and High streets is scheduled to be opene to two-way traffic on the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 29. A one-block section between Will mette and Olive streets will remain in one-way operation for the time being. ~ To a commodate the change to two-way operation, Eugene Public Works, working in cooperation ith Lane Transit District (LTD), for the past two weeks has been changing signs, striping and raffic control devices, including a newly activated traffic signal at 10th Avenue and High Street. Signs have been installed to direct motorists on where turns are allowed and which lanes they c n use. Motorists are not allowed to drive or park in lanes reserved for LTD's EmX rapid transit us service. The ne-block section of 10th Avenue between Willamette and Olive streets will remain in one-way operation while City staff work with area residents to determine the most appropriate form of traffi control at 10th and Olive. An initial proposal that the existing traffic signal at that location be r placed with all-way stop signs drew concern from people with disabilities, who felt the traffic si nal does a better job than stop signs in providing audible clues for sight-impaired users and o erall safety for disabled users. Until the traffic control issue is resolved, westbound motorists on 10th Avenue will be directed to turn north (right) on Willamette Street. The onversion of 10th Avenue to two-way traffic has long been a downtown transportatio goal for the City. A goal of the Central Area Transportation Study is to "promote the develop ent of a transportation system within the downtown area that supports the goals of the Downto n Plan, enhances the livability of downtown, and provides for the safe and efficient movement o motor vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and transit vehicles." Converting one-way streets, mos of which were converted from two-way operation in the 1940s and 1950s, back to two-way op ration is a primary strategy to accomplish this goal. The work being done to establish de icated lanes for LTD's EmX transit service between the downtown Eugene transit station and owntown Springfield created an opportunity to make the lane and signal improvemen s needed for two-way traffic on 10th Avenue. Public Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Pearl Street • Eugene, OR 97401 Phone: (541) 682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us