Ordinance No. 20415 - Laserfiche WebLink

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designated entrance corridors. While the City is not proposing any improvements at this time, the bridge crosses the Willamette River and is a defining feature of Eugene-Springfield. The project area also includes an important and highly used park with a designated natural area (the Whilamut Natural Area) and unique cultural features. Further, the bridge is an important symbolic gateway between Eugene and Springfield as well as for the Willamette River valley. A key consideration of the project is providing an aesthetically pleasing solution that recognizes the scenic beauty of the project area and therefore, a range of bridge types and pier options were considered. Selection of the bridge type for each segment is dependent primarily on aesthetic considerations and budget. Additionally, the reduction in the total number of piers and in the number of piers within the Willamette River will improve views of the river and, as such, contribute to a significant positive visual impact. Regarding 4.1, ODOT is developing the project to retain design flexibility related to bridge form, materials, and aesthetic treatments as well as to allow flexibility to the engineers to design an economical bridge that also meets community requirements. Selection of the bridge type for each segment is dependent primarily on aesthetic considerations and budget. The bridge design is being reviewed during a separate public process. 7. To the greatest extent possible, the City shall encourage regional and intercity traffic to use major rather than minor arterials. The Transportation Element functional classification map designates 1-5 as a major arterial. The proposed amendment to the Neighborhood Design Element, Willamette Greenway Use Management Standard 1 (discussed below) is consistent with this policy because it provides for the continued use of 1-5 through the area to serve through and regional traffic. Because the decommissioned bridge must be replaced for safety reasons, this policy can only be satisfied by approving the requested goal exceptions and Willakenzie Area Plan amendment. Therefore the proposal is consistent with this policy. 8. The City shall work with developers and the State of Oregon to ensure that noise attenuation is provided for existing and proposed residential developments along State highways when improvements are made to those roads. 8.1. At the request of residents, the City should work with residents and the State to determine cost-effectiveness and cost distribution for sounds barriers along existing freeways in the established neighborhoods where sound barriers are not currently installed. 8.2. The City should work with the State to ensure local, State, and Federal regulations pertaining to noise attenuation are met whenever a freeway is improved. A project noise technical report was prepared as part of the Environmental Assessment (as required by NEP A) to analyze potential noise impacts resulting from the project. Per the ODOT Noise Manual (June 1996) analysis procedures, noise mitigation measures were evaluated to reduce noise levels to nearby residences as a result of the project. Noise walls were determined to lneet the Exhibit B - Findings Page 4