Current Status
Construction for transportation improvements to River Avenue began in early May and is scheduled to be completed in fall 2007. Delta Sand & Gravel, under contract to the City of Eugene, is constructing the improvements. The Eugene Public Works Engineering Division is managing the project.
Work Schedule
The anticipated schedule identifies removal of existing asphalt, excavation for placement of aggregate base rock, and the installation of the storm water pipe system through the middle of June 2007. One lane will be open for local traffic and controlled by flaggers during this time. Subsequent work includes constructing curbs and gutters, asphalt paving and landscaping until the middle of September, when the project is expected to be completed. During this period there will be intermittent lane closures.
EWEB relocated its electrical and water facilities earlier this spring. EWEB’s electrical relocation work included converting aerial electrical lines to underground conduits and vaults between River Road and Ross Lane. On River Avenue east of Ross Lane, EWEB relocated and/or replaced existing wood poles. This will reduce some of the overhead wires but poles and wires will still remain. QWEST and Comcast also relocated their facilities in advance of the roadwork.
Why is River Avenue being reconstructed?
The street design was a collaborative effort involving residents and businesses on River Avenue and representatives from local neighborhood groups and the Eugene Bike Coalition to improve safety for all modes of transportation. When completed in the fall, the one-mile-long street will include two vehicle travel lanes and a center turn lane, curb and gutter, sidewalks along the full length of the north side of the street, bike lanes on the west end of the street and a 12-foot-wide multi-use path on the east end, street trees, stormwater bioswales for water quality treatment, a parking bay at the east end, and street trees.
How Is The Project Being Funded?
Funding for the $3.3 million project is coming from assessments to abutting property owners and from a mix of transportation, stormwater and wastewater system development charges.
Noise, Dust And Other Construction-Related Inconveniences
In addition to traffic impacts, projects of this sort include construction-related inconveniences such as noise, dust and delay. The staff at the Eugene Public Works Department will work individually with residents and businesses in the construction area to anticipate and mitigate as much as possible these inconveniences.
