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GETTING AROUND DOWNTOWN A well functioning transportation system is a key component of a well designed, economically healthy, livable city. Transportation goals are intricately connected to urban design and land use goals. In downtown Eugene, the transportation system needs to address issues of access and safety and also less quantifiable issues of improving downtown character, economic strength, and the quality of urban places. Streets, parking structures, sidewalks all of these are opportunities for thoughtful, interesting designs. With careful choice of paving materials, light standards, sidewalk and street alignments, these public works projects become public art opportunities. The streets that result encourage walking and increase the perception of safety. A well designed, func- tional street system requires a balance of priorities. Efficient flow of traffic, on-street parking, narrower travel lanes, wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and landscaping are elements that often represent competing issues. In downtown, especially along the Great Streets, priority will be given to pedestrians. CATS The Central Area Transportation Study (CATS) provides analysis and recommendations for trans- portationissues affecting greater downtown Eugene. CATS includes a detailed examination of traffic circulation, on- and off-street parking, and alterna- tive transportation modes for an area including downtown, mid-town and the West University neighborhood. The discussion in this plan focuses on the relationship of transportation issues to the economic vitality and livability of the downtown core. Recommendations for transportation system improvements in downtown will be implemented through CATS. Great Streets Great Streets are a design issue, a marketing issue, and a transportation issue. In Eugene, our Great Streets, Willamette, Broadway, 8th and 5th Avenues, are special because of their history and development patterns. These streets need a public improvement strategy and coordinated design to reinforce their character and their role of connecting special places, including downtown to the river. These streets must also serve as streets that work. They need to allow diverse modes of transport for residents, workers, shoppers, businesses and property owners. These streets need to be designed so that downtown functions well as a regional and civic center. Access and Gateways The entrances to downtown Eugene are important opportuni- ties to improve the character and identity of downtown. En- trance beautification projects can also pro- vide information and directions for visitors to key destinations or special events. The most direct and attrac- tive routes into down- town should be iden- tifiedwith appropriate signs, so that the qual- ity of the entrance experience along these routes can be creatively enhanced. Access to the river from numerous locations downtown is critical to the success of this Downtown Plan. River connections need to be •designed to mini- mize the impact on the riparian edge, and to connect with existing routes and pathways. These connections need to be well-marked, easily visible and identifiable from downtown. EUGENE DOWNTOWN PLAN APRIL 2004 37 ~. The paving and maintaining of public roads has long been a city responsibility. This photo depicts the city's street crew around (910 on West Eighth Avenue.