Eugene revamps transit plans to enhance River Road safety
June 10, 2024 | Eugene , Lane County, Oregon
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The city of Eugene and the Lane Transit District (LTD) are advancing their collaborative \"Moving Ahead\" project, aimed at redesigning major streets to enhance transit, walking, and biking infrastructure. This initiative focuses on five key corridors identified in the Envision Eugene plan and the Eugene 2035 transportation system plan.
On March 14, 2022, the Eugene City Council adopted the locally preferred alternative for the project, which includes an enhanced corridor on River Road, Coburg Road, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, while opting for a \"no build\" approach for 30th Avenue. Following this, LTD staff conducted a year-long analysis to explore options for providing frequent transit service at lower costs, ultimately recommending a shift from the originally planned \"MX\" (bus rapid transit) designation for River Road to an enhanced corridor model. This recommendation was approved by the LTD board on May 15, 2023.
The enhanced corridor option allows for incremental implementation, utilizing regular buses rather than requiring simultaneous construction of all stations, as is necessary with the MX model. The estimated costs reflect this shift, with the MX alternative projected at $78 million compared to $24 million for the enhanced corridor.
City staff emphasized the importance of maintaining safety for all users along River Road, which is recognized as a high-crash corridor. Plans include constructing protected bike lanes and enhancing pedestrian crossings that align with transit stops. The city is actively seeking grant opportunities to improve safety and continues to engage with the community regarding transportation needs.
A resolution is set to be presented to the city council to align Eugene's designation for River Road with the LTD board's decision, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to enhance transit infrastructure in the region.
On March 14, 2022, the Eugene City Council adopted the locally preferred alternative for the project, which includes an enhanced corridor on River Road, Coburg Road, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, while opting for a \"no build\" approach for 30th Avenue. Following this, LTD staff conducted a year-long analysis to explore options for providing frequent transit service at lower costs, ultimately recommending a shift from the originally planned \"MX\" (bus rapid transit) designation for River Road to an enhanced corridor model. This recommendation was approved by the LTD board on May 15, 2023.
The enhanced corridor option allows for incremental implementation, utilizing regular buses rather than requiring simultaneous construction of all stations, as is necessary with the MX model. The estimated costs reflect this shift, with the MX alternative projected at $78 million compared to $24 million for the enhanced corridor.
City staff emphasized the importance of maintaining safety for all users along River Road, which is recognized as a high-crash corridor. Plans include constructing protected bike lanes and enhancing pedestrian crossings that align with transit stops. The city is actively seeking grant opportunities to improve safety and continues to engage with the community regarding transportation needs.
A resolution is set to be presented to the city council to align Eugene's designation for River Road with the LTD board's decision, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to enhance transit infrastructure in the region.
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