A community forum to evaluate a series of options for redesigning Willamette Street from 24th to 32nd streets will be held Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the South Eugene High School cafeteria, 400 E. 19th Avenue. Participants are encouraged to RSVP by calling 541-682-8472 or e-mailing chris.c.henry@ci.eugene.or.us.
At the meeting, a project team of City of Eugene staff and consultants will show graphic designs of various alternatives and gather input on specific design alternatives. The presentation will include evaluations on how each alternative affects motor vehicle mobility, business access, sidewalks, bicycle facilities and transit service. The result from this meeting will be used to help the project team narrow the alternatives for future analysis.
The public engagement phase of the South Willamette Street improvement plan began last November with a well-attended community forum held to discuss project goals, share the results of traffic studies and begin to explore alternatives for future improvements to the design and condition of Willamette Street between 24th and 32nd avenues.
The goal of the study is to help South Willamette Street become a vibrant urban corridor accessible by bicycle, foot, car, and bus. Today, Willamette Street is heavily used to reach many popular destinations, yet it is uninviting to pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and motorists alike. For years, many residents and business owners have shared complaints about the poor conditions on Willamette Street for walking and biking and the need to do something about it.
The plan aims to support existing businesses and the commercial district’s vitality by creating a balanced multi-modal transportation system. It also is intended to further City planning efforts to identify compact growth and redevelopment opportunities and foster a well-informed and involved community supportive of the final outcomes.
For more information, contact Chris Henry, Transportation Planning Engineer, at 541-682-8472, chris.c.henry@ci.eugene.or.us, or visit the project web site at www.eugene-or.gov/SWillametteStreet.