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GETTING AROUND DOWNTOWN <br /> <br />A well functioning transportation system is a key component of a well designed, <br />economically healthy, livable city. Transportation goals are intricately connected to urban <br />design and land use goals. In downtown Eugene, the transportation system needs to <br />address issues of access and safety and also less quantifiable issues of improving <br />downtown character, economic strength, and the quality of urban places. Streets, parking <br />structures, sidewalks all of these are opportunities for thoughtful, interesting designs. <br />With careful choice of paving materials, light standards, sidewalk and street alignments, <br />these public works projects become public art opportunities. The streets that result <br />encourage walking, and increase the perception of safety. <br /> <br />A well designed, functional street system requires a balance of priorities. Efficient flow <br />of traffic, on-street parking, narrower travel lanes, wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and <br />landscaping are elements that often represent competing issues. In downtown, especially <br />along the Great Streets, priority will be given to pedestrians. <br /> <br />CATS <br />The Central Area Transportation Study (CATS) provides analysis and recommendations <br />for transportation issues affecting greater downtown Eugene. CATS includes a detailed <br />examination of traffic circulation, on- and off-street parking, and alternative <br />transportation modes for an area including downtown, mid-town and the West University <br />neighborhood. The discussion in this plan focuses on the relationship of transportation <br />issues to the economic vitality and livability of the downtown core. Recommendations <br />for transportation system improvements in downtown will be implemented through <br />CATS. <br /> <br />Great Streets <br />Great Streets are a design issue, a marketing issue, and a transportation issue. In Eugene, <br />our Great Streets, Willamette, Broadway, 8th and 5th Avenues, are special because of <br />their history and development patterns. These streets need a public improvement strategy <br />and coordinated design to reinforce their character and their role of connecting special <br />places, including downtown to the river. These streets must also serve as streets that <br />work. They need to allow diverse modes of transport for residents, workers, shoppers, <br />businesses and property owners. These streets need to be designed so that downtown <br />functions well as a regional and civic center. <br /> <br />Access and Gateways <br />The entrances to downtown Eugene are important opportunities to improve the character <br />and identity of downtown. Entrance beautification projects can also provide information <br />and directions for visitors to key destination or special events. The most direct and <br />attractive routes into downtown should be identified with appropriate signs, so that the <br />quality of the entrance experience along these routes can be creatively enhanced. <br /> <br />Access to the river from numerous locations downtown is critical to the success of this <br />Downtown Plan. River connections need to be designed to minimize the impact on the <br /> <br />37 <br /> <br /> <br />