New Search
<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />June 6, 2013 <br /> <br />CONTACT: <br />Chris Henry, Transportation Planning Engineer, 541-682-8472 (starting June 10) <br /> <br /> Rob Inerfeld, Transportation Planning Manager, 541-682-5343 (before June 10) <br /> <br />From Public Information Section, 541-682-5523 or 541-954-2938 <br /> <br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> <br />South Willamette Street Alternatives Topic at June 11 Meetings <br /> <br />A community forum to rank and refine a series of options for redesigning Willamette Street <br />from 24th to 32nd avenues will be held in two sessions on Tuesday, June 11, from 4 to 5:45 p.m. <br />and 7 to 8:45 p.m. at the South Eugene High School cafeteria, 400 E. 19th Avenue. <br />Two meetings are being held to accommodate the high interest in this project. Interested <br />residents are urged to attend the earlier session if possible because staff anticipates that many <br />people will choose the later session. Participants are encouraged to RSVP with an indication of <br />which time they prefer by calling 541-682-8472 or e-mailing chris.c.henry@ci.eugene.or.us. <br />At the meetings, a project team of City of Eugene staff and consultants will present study <br />results for three street design alternatives including conceptual layouts, cost estimates, projected <br />travel times, and function for cars, pedestrians, bicyclists and buses. <br />For those who are unable to attend the meetings, an online survey will be available from <br />June 12 through June 18 on the project website at www.eugene-or.gov/SWillametteStreet. The web <br />site also includes links to summaries of public outreach, technical details, and more. <br />The public engagement phase of the South Willamette Street improvement plan began last <br />November with two well-attended community forums held to discuss project goals, share the <br />results of traffic studies and begin to explore alternatives for future improvements to the design <br />and condition of Willamette Street between 24th and 32nd avenues. In February, a second <br />community forum was held where feedback was given on a range of street design alternatives to <br />help the project team narrow the alternatives for more detailed analysis. The results of that <br />analysis will be presented on June 11. <br />The goal of the study is to help South Willamette Street become a vibrant urban corridor <br />accessible by bicycle, foot, car, and bus. Today, Willamette Street is heavily used to reach many <br />popular destinations, yet it is uninviting to pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and motorists alike. <br />For years, many residents and business owners have shared complaints about the poor conditions <br />on Willamette Street for walking and biking and the need to do something about it. <br />The plan aims to support existing businesses and the commercial district’s vitality by <br />creating a balanced multi-modal transportation system. It also is intended to further City planning <br />efforts to identify compact growth and redevelopment opportunities and foster a well-informed <br />and involved community supportive of the final outcomes. <br /># # # <br /> <br />Public Works Administration ● City of Eugene ● 101 E. Broadway, Suite 400, Eugene, OR 97401 <br />Phone 541-682-8421 ● Fax 541-682-6826 ● www.eugene-or.gov/pw <br />