The City of Eugene begins more improvement projects to South Willamette Street Monday. Construction crews will begin widening the lanes between 24th and 29th avenues and will install a new traffic signal. This is a pilot project to study whether the new lanes will improve accessibility.
Work on Willamette Street will also include reconstructed sidewalk ramps and restriping the street. The restriping is part of the greater pilot study.
Brian Richardson is a spokesperson with the City of Eugene. He says the project is a test run for the future vision of Willamette Street.
Richardson: “Once we get done with our pilot study, South Willamette there will be restriped to three lanes including two bike lanes. So that will be one lane north and south as well as a center turn lane.”
Richardson urges drivers to use caution during the construction process. Local businesses will remain open and accessible. Richardson says most of the work will take place at night to minimize the impact on traffic.
The construction should be completed by mid-April, and the Eugene City Council will review findings from the pilot study next summer.