03/14/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Mr. Dave Rynerson, LTD, spoke as a staff member of that group. He noted LTD had a great interest in the intersection widening as they saw a need to make surface improvements in that area, and a need to connect the routes to LCC, U. of 0., and west Eugene. LTO would like to see a traffic signal to facilitate bus movement in the area, bus turnouts, a bike parking and shelter program, and schedule signing. LTO saw this as an opportunity to coordinate the improvements of the area with the Public Works Department. He was not making a judgment on the design of the proposed project, but simply saying that LTO wanted mass transit elements in whatever design was used. e Mr. Delay expressed concern regarding operating in a vacuum without the E-SATS statement, noting what pressures this particular improvement would have in the remainder of the arterial system planned for the city. He asked what other areas might be affected and asked for a clarification if this is not the final design, could alternatives be explored at this point. Mr. Reinhard wondered what the City Council's wish was as to what areas the Public Works should explore, noting that the en- vironmental impact statement had significant components of the project submitted in it as it relates to design, and was requesting proceeding with the number of lanes as proposed in the design. He said as for other street widening projects, the art of traffic forecasting was not very exact. He said traffic flow assigned by forecasts based upon existing conditions does not account for con- gestion, but then assumptions were made that improvements would be able to handle congestions and increased traffic. Mr. Delay asked what capacity the Public Works Department would have to deal with these problems, the alternative ideas that had been presented, and how much work load could be handled in exploring the alternatives or in making minor adjustments. Mr. Reinhard replied that the staff could look at the lesser improvements, but essentially, the proposed improvements were the ones needed for the extent of improvement in that interesection area. He said the staff meant to do the job right, and not in a piecemeal approach or not an overkill. The specific design features would be handled later. Mr. Hamel asked if staff could get together with LTD and face some of the questions that had been raised by the citizens in the pUblic testimony. Mr. Allen replied that the staff had been working closely with LTO and would be doing so on the final design. 111-A-1O Mr. H~ws moved. seconded by Mr. Hamel. to authorize the Public Works Department to proceed with the final environmental impact statement for submittal to the state and federal agencies. Mr. Allen noted that the two agencies involved could make adjust- ments to the environmental impact statement before it goes to final design, and that the final design would be brought back before Council Mr. Haws saw a need for improvement in the area, but would like to see more alternatives proposed. He would like more information; therefore he was going to vote no on the motion. e ;;2./1 March 14, 1977--Page 15