The Downtown Street Construction Projects, which include protected bike lanes on 8th Avenue and High Street, and the conversion of 8th Avenue to a two-way street, stem from extensive community engagement through the Central Eugene InMotion process of 2019.
Central Eugene InMotion sought to gather 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 over 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 8th Avenue and High Street emerged as a priority, aligning with the community's desire for safer and more accessible biking infrastructure. Additionally, the street along 8th Avenue and the Park Blocks will be raised, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. The project will also convert 8th Avenue into a two-way street from Lincoln to High Street, providing enhanced connectivity between downtown and the riverfront for all modes of travel.
Construction has begun on both 8th Avenue and High Street. Throughout construction, the city will prioritize open and transparent communication, providing regular updates on the various projects’ progress.