SRTS Projects 2020-2022

The Bethel and Howard Avenue Safe Routes to School projects were awarded grant funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation's SRTS infrastructure program. Both projects are currently in the community outreach phase of the project. 

Bethel SRTS Project

Students walking or bicycling to Prairie Mountain School must cross busy arterial streets to get to school. Finding appropriate gaps for safe crossings of these streets can be challenging and pedestrian crashes have been recorded in the proposed enhanced crossing locations.

The Bethel SRTS project plans to:

• Install a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at Royal Avenue at Throne Drive (there is an existing pedestrian crossing island and crosswalk)
• Install a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon, construct a crossing island and paint crosswalk markings near the Danebo Avenue and Unthank Drive intersection

Howard Avenue SRTS Project

Students walking or bicycling to Howard Elementary School and Kelly Middle School currently have to use narrow shoulders along Howard Avenue to travel to the school.  In addition, the intersection at River Road is offset, making crossing the street less intuitive. Neighbors, community members and parents have identified the need to create a safer more comfortable way for students to connect to the school along this main collector street.

The Howard Avenue SRTS project plans to:

• Construct a physically protected walking and bicycling space on the south side of Howard Avenue 
• Build bike lanes on the north side
• Add intersection improvements at River Road
• Install wayfinding signs at major decision-making points 

Public Engagement

The Howard Avenue Project  is currently in the community outreach phase. The first Howard Avenue SRTS Online Open House was held on July 1, 2021. The next open houses will be held on November 17 & 18 via Zoom.  After gathering community feedback an initial design proposal will be created and a final open house in April will share the proposal with the community, before final engineering begins. Construction is projected to begin in 2023. 

Upcoming Open Houses:

• Wednesday, November 17, Noon-1pm, https://eugene-or-gov.zoom.us/j/89446040145 , Passcode: 4HowardAv
• Thursday, November 18, 7:00-8:00pm, https://eugene-or-gov.zoom.us/j/81790043314, Passcode: 4HowardAv