Item C: ODOT Presentation on I-5/Willamette River Bridge Project

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Oregon Department of Transportation Presentation on I-5/Willamette River Bridge Project Meeting Date: June 11, 2007 Agenda Item Number: C Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Chris Henry www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-8472 ISSUE STATEMENT The Eugene City Council will receive an update from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) about the replacement I-5/Willamette River Bridge. ODOT staff will present the latest details of the project including: scope, schedule, budget, public involvement through the project Community Advisory Group and ODOT’s Context Sensitive and Sustainable Solutions process. The council will have an opportunity to ask questions of ODOT staff. BACKGROUND The existing I-5 structure over the Willamette River was constructed in 1962. In 2002, structural problems were identified in the bridge that could not be repaired cost-effectively. Therefore, ODOT constructed a temporary bridge in 2004 to allow for the design and construction of a permanent replacement bridge. Currently, the project team is evaluating and refining bridge types to be considered in preparation of an environmental document. The Environmental Assessment document is scheduled for review at the end of 2007 and completion with a federal record of decision in mid-2008. Project final design and permitting follow in 2008-2009. Finally, construction of the replacement structure is anticipated to occur in 2010 through 2012. The project budget of $180 million includes $150 million of Oregon Transportation Investment Act III (OTIA III) State Bridge Delivery Program funds and $30 million of federal Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETY-LU) earmark funds. Of those project funds, $70 million is for the bridge structure crossing the Willamette River, railroad, Franklin Boulevard and Whilamut Natural Area. The remaining $110 million project costs include engineering, demolition, road work, other structures, and ties to the existing transportation system. Of the $70 million bridge structure budget approximately $10 million is allocated for aesthetics. ODOT held an initial public open house for the project - one in Springfield and one in Eugene - on April 5, 2006. ODOT also conducted one-on-one interviews with 23 representatives of stakeholder groups. Following those interviews, ODOT engaged a project Community Advisory Group (CAG) to advise the Project Development Team (PDT). A CAG member also sits on the Project Development Team. Further public involvement for the project included one more public open house held in L:\CMO\2007 Council Agendas\M070611\S070611C.doc