Project Updates
BUILD Grant Update
The Cities of Eugene and Springfield submitted a joint application for federal grant funding in May 2020. Unfortunately, we were not successful during this year's grant cycle. Application materials can be viewed here. To learn more about BUILD grants, you can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD Grant website.
Preferred Alternative Showcase
On Tuesday, March 10, 2020 the preferred alternative for Franklin Boulevard (also known as the preferred final concept design) was revealed at a public open house. The preferred design and all information shared at the event, including past public involvement events, can be found on the public involvement web page.
Project Description
What is the project?
We're spearheading a planning process for Franklin Boulevard from Alder Street to Interstate 5, including Garden Avenue. The purpose is to transform Franklin from an auto-focused state highway to a pleasant, multi-modal urban street that is safe for people walking, biking, riding the bus and driving.
Why is it needed?
Franklin Boulevard, with its wide lanes, can be an unsafe and uncomfortable street. For people who walk, bike, or ride the bus, Franklin Boulevard can be a significant barrier to getting from place to place. Because of that, fewer people choose to walk or bike to make connections between the University of Oregon, surrounding neighborhoods and Willamette River trails to the north, hindering the our long-term efforts to reach climate reduction goals. The project will also encourage new ways for businesses and neighborhoods near Franklin Boulevard to redevelop the boulevard into a more comfortable connector of places, rather than a divider.
