Mayor Lucy Vinis | Mayor Lucy Vinis Official website
Mayor Lucy Vinis | Mayor Lucy Vinis Official website
The City of Eugene has several road construction projects this summer aimed at transforming downtown into a more accessible, sustainable and pedestrian- and bike-friendly environment. These projects, which include protected bike lanes on Eighth Avenue and High Street, stem from extensive community engagement through the Central Eugene InMotion process of 2019.
Central Eugene InMotion gathered insight and feedback on improving transportation options, enhancing connectivity, and fostering sustainable modes of travel in the greater downtown area. The process included three open houses, an online survey, stakeholder meetings, mapping activities and more. The Transportation Planning team saw significant interest in the topic and received more than 1,600 responses from community members, businesses and stakeholders.
The Transportation Planning team integrated the community's ideas and suggestions from Central Eugene InMotion into planning and design. The installation of protected bike lanes on Eighth Avenue and High Street emerged as a priority, aligning with the community's desire for safer and more accessible biking infrastructure. Additionally, the frontage along Eighth Avenue and the Park Blocks will be raised, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. The project will also convert Eighth Avenue into a two-way street from Lincoln Street to High Street, providing enhanced connectivity between downtown and the riverfront for all modes of travel.
Both Pearl Street and Oak Street will be repaved this summer as well. After extensive deliberations and careful consideration of community input, the bike lane on Pearl Street will be relocated to the west side of the street. This change aims to enhance visibility and safety for people riding bikes. The project will also construct numerous curb extensions along Pearl and Oak to shorten street crossing distances for people walking.
Construction has begun on both Eighths Avenue and High Street. Pearl and Oak street work will begin in July. Throughout construction, the city will prioritize open and transparent communication, providing regular updates on various projects. People can sign up for weekly downtown construction updates by emailing Willow Hamilton, Transportation Community Engagement Coordinator at whamilton@eugene-or.gov.
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