This past summer, the Cities of Eugene and Springfield along with Lane Transit District submitted a request for federal funding for the Franklin Boulevard Partnership Project. We are excited to announce that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the partnership a $19 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant!
With the funds, both cities, working in partnership with LTD, will continue to modernize Franklin Boulevard into an urban corridor that improves access and safety for people traveling to, in, and between each city. Proposed work includes construction of new and improved sidewalks and infrastructure for bicycle and EmX bus service, multiple new roundabouts, stormwater treatment, and utility improvements. The overall investment supports the Climate Action Plans for Eugene, LTD, and University of Oregon, and for Springfield continues to implement key redevelopment plans for the Glenwood Riverfront District.
Transforming Franklin will improve safety for all who rely on Franklin Boulevard, whether by walking, rolling, driving or riding transit. The project will help increase the number of people who can move along the corridor while saving minutes of travel time, will provide better access and mobility for disproportionately low-income neighborhoods and vulnerable populations, and will deliver environmental benefits such as better treating stormwater before it enters the Willamette River.
We look forward to getting right to work! Learn more at: City of Eugene – eugene-or.gov/franklin and City of Springfield – newfranklinblvd.org.