Road construction on 19th Avenue, between Hilyard and Agate streets, is suspended. Due to an unusually rainy September and a cold October, much of the project construction was delayed. As a result, the remaining road work will need to be completed when the weather becomes warm and dry, likely late winter or early spring 2020.
The contractor, Eugene Sand Construction, is currently working to “winterize” the project. Recently completed work includes paving to within two inches of finished grade, planter construction, stormwater improvements and the installation of a pilot project at the intersection of 19th and Alder.
The pilot project consists of a modular median diversion island at the 19th and Alder intersection. This new feature will increase visual awareness at the intersection for people walking, biking and driving. It will also provide a safe place for people crossing the street. Since the island is modular, it will allow the City to test the configuration prior to constructing it permanently with concrete. It can also be used at other locations in the future.
As part of the construction project, crews have converted the intersection of E. 19th Avenue and Alder Street to a 4-way stop. People driving north and south on Alder Street are now required to make a right turn onto 19th Avenue.
These improvements are meant to increase safety for people walking and biking by reducing bicycle and vehicle collisions, stopping vehicles to allow people walking and biking to cross safely, provide a refuge for those crossing the street, and to increase visual awareness at 19th and Alder. It’s a major route for people walking and biking.
Road construction on 19th Avenue cost about $2 million. The intersection improvements cost about $20,000. Funding for both projects came from the 2017 road bond to fix city streets.