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recommending constructing a noise wall on the east side of I-5 in the northern part of the project. <br />Comments, requests for a copy of the EA or to find a location to view it should be directed to Jim Cox, <br />ODOT NEPA Coordinator, 680 Cottage Street NE, Salem, OR 97301-2412, (503) 986-6612 or <br />jim.b.cox@odot.state.or.us. <br />The Willamette River Bridge was originally constructed in 1962. In 2002, cracks were discovered in the <br />existing structure. In 2004, construction was completed on a temporary structure as an interim solution to <br />avoid requiring a 200-mile detour for heavy trucks.The temporary structure is inadequate for long-term <br />transportation needs and does not meet standards for permanent interstate bridges. The project cost is <br />budgeted at $180 million, including design, construction and inspection of the bridge replacement and <br />roadway approaches, removal of the detour bridge and demolition of the existing bridge structure. <br />Funding for the project comes from the OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program as part of the Oregon <br />Department of Transportation’s 10-year, $3 billion Oregon Transportation Investment Act and the federal <br />Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). <br />Construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2012. <br />The design process for the replacement Willamette River Bridge is just beginning. Decisions about <br />bridge type and appearance have not been made yet. The design process is scheduled to begin in <br />spring of 2008 following ODOT’s hiring of a design team. The community will have opportunities to work <br />with the design team, CAG and PDT as bridge design concepts are refined and a bridge type is selected. <br />There are plenty of details left to be worked out beyond selecting the overall bridge type. Design features <br />include pier shape, railings, color, architectural elements above and below the deck, and textured surface <br />treatments. <br />Further project details (including a link to the Environmental Assessment) may be found at the project <br />web site: www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION2/I-5WRB.shtml. <br />The City of Eugene staff contact for the Willamette River Bridge is Chris Henry, transportation planning <br />engineer, (541) 682-8472 or chris.c.henry@ci.eugene.or.us. <br />Fires Provide Opportunity to Deliver Prevention Information <br />Eugene was unfortunate to experience several non-injury structure fires over the long MLK Holiday <br />weekend, but the silver lining was that media coverage of the incidents allowed firefighters to convey <br />important safety information to the community at large. As is common during the winter months, at least <br />two of the fires were caused -- either directly or indirectly -- by the need for home heating. In reporting on <br />the fires and in subsequent interviews, firefighters and Deputy Fire Marshals were able to explain just <br />how critical it is to keep flammable objects away from heat sources; to burn indoors properly; to keep <br />homes free of clutter; to have fireplaces, woodstoves, and chimneys professionally maintained; and to <br />dispose of ashes and debris safely. The Eugene Fire & EMS Department is prepared at all times to <br />deliver these and other safety messages to anyone who asks. Whenever there is media coverage of an <br />incident, it is the department's policy to seek to include in that coverage an explanation of how the <br />incident could have been prevented, for the benefit of the larger audience. In following this policy, the <br />department has confirmed its belief that non-preventable fires are, in fact, a fairly rare occurrence. For <br />more information, please contact Glen Potter, public information officer, at 682-7118. <br />“Walkabout” is Popular Recreation Activity <br />Recreation Services’ “Walkabouts” are tapping into a favored activity of <br />Oregonians. Research conducted for the 2008 Statewide Comprehensive <br />Outdoor Recreation Plan found that the most popular outdoor recreation <br />activity of Oregonians age 43 - 80 is walking. <br />The monthly Walkabouts all start at the Campbell Community Center on <br />selected Monday afternoons. Participants ride a Recreation vehicle to <br />different scenic location for 45-60 minute walk on relatively flat trails. In <br />typical Oregonian style, Walkabouts are held rain or shine. <br />The next Walkabout is February 4 from 1-3 p.m. The cost is just $2. For <br />information, contact Recreation Programmer Mel Mann at 682-6392. <br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 <br />January 24, 2008 <br />