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EUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Work Session: Grade Separated Ramp Connections for the I-5/Willamette River Bridge Meeting Date: November 17, 2004 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Mark Schoening www. cl. eugene, or. us Contact Telephone Number: 682-5243 ISSUE STATEMENT This is an opportunity for the City Council to receive information from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) on the transportation system planning and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes needed to consider grade separated ramp connections between the planned I-5/Willamette River replacement bridge and Franklin Boulevard. BACKGROUND Several years ago, ODOT imposed severe weight restrictions on the I-5 bridge crossing the Willamette River due to structural problems with the bridge. Construction of a temporary bridge crossing the Willamette River was completed earlier this year. The replacement bridge will be funded from the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III (OTIA III). The planning for the replacement bridge has created a unique opportunity to study a new interchange system that would improve access between I-5 and Eugene, Glenwood and Springfield, as well as simplifying and integrating the existing ramps on I-5 northbound to Franklin Boulevard westbound, Franklin Boulevard eastbound to I-5 southbound, and the on- and off-ramps connecting I-5 to Glenwood Boulevard. An improved interchange at the I-5 and Franklin Boulevard/Glenwood complex would increase regional mobility, create an entryway to the University of Oregon in east Eugene, improve access to downtown Eugene and Springfield, and spur redevelopment along Franklin Boulevard and in Glenwood. In a letter (Attachment A) dated October 14, 2004, to Mayors Leiken and Torrey, ODOT has outlined the transportation systems planning that must occur prior to the inclusion of ramp connections into the NEPA process for the replacement bridge. ODOT has also committed funds and technical expertise for the transportation system planning effort. RELATED CITY POLICIES The transportation systems planning for grade separated ramp connections between the planned I-5/Willamette River replacement bridge and Franklin Boulevard will require a significant commitment of transportation engineering and planning resources from the member jurisdictions of the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The City of Eugene's Planning and Development Department's work plan was approved by the City Council on April 14, 2004. The work plan includes unallocated resources to address "Emerging Issues." At this time it is uncertain as to whether or not the unallocated resources would be sufficient to provide resources for the transportation systems planning for grade separated ramp connections between the planned I-5/Willamette River replacement bridge and Franklin Boulevard. L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M041117\S041117B.doc