08/05/1991 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. e Mr. Boles said that the Eugene City Council is committed to its goals for alternate modes of transportation. He noted that in selecting an option, the jurisdictions should remain aware that traffic will expand to accommodate expanded transportation corridors. He said that he had hoped to see a slow- build alternative, rather than a no-build alternative, that simply addresses critical safety issues and alternative transportation needs. Responding to a question from Mr. Robinette, Dave Reinhard, PubJic Works Transportation, said that the City would be describing a no-build a1ternative in the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). In addition,several scenarios will be documented which describe only small improvements to the bridge, but do not include widening. There will also be opportunities for construction phasing. Ms. Bascom pointed out that the alternatives which provide enhancements for alter;-nate modes of tr~nsPQrtati(m include design cQn$iderat.ions, such as rain- protected ameriities, which might mitigate the impacts on Alton Baker Park. - Mr. MacDonald asked about special provisions in the options for alternative modes of transportation. In response, Mr. Reinhard said that three of the build alternatives contain provisions for "deluxe" bike path improvements: However, none of the alternatives include special bus corridors because there is not a critical mass of buses that use the corridor to justify exclusive 1 anes . Also, the length of the transportation corridor is too short to jus- tify this. e Mr. Roberts asked about any major drawbacks to Alternative C. In response, Mr. Robinette indicated that this alternative does not have the provisions for alternative modes of transportation that the Eugene City Council favors. Mr. Rutan added that Alternative C does not disperse traffic activity, but consolidates it into one place. He stressed that all the alternatives are viable, but emphasized that placing any types of transportation corridors through Alton Baker Park will have major impacts. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Cornacchia said that the County has received little input from constituents about the Ferry Street Bridge alternatives thus far, but expected to receive greater response once a deci- sion point was closer. He said that all three jurisdictions are committed to the concept of compact urban growth and noted that much of the traffic prob- lem occurs as a result of funneling Springfield residents into the city over a single transportation corridor. The jurisdictions must continue to prepare for increased residential development in north Eugene and must keep our transportation problems in perspective with other areas. Mr. MacDonald said that one of the drawbacks to Alternative C is the conve- nience it provides to vehicular traffic. In keeping the transportation cor- ridors narrow, the City provides disincentives to automobile travelers. Mr. Nicholson noted that Alternatives Band D have major impacts on the resi- dential neighborhoods on both ends of the bridge. He has heard strident e MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 5, 1991 Page 3 Dinner Work Session