Item C: I-5 Franklin Proposed Interchange Project Update

Home Browse Search

. Public open houses are scheduled to present results of preliminary analysis and ask stakeholders to indicate whether they think an interchange should be included in local and regional transportation plans. . Process requests Eugene, Springfield and Lane County elected officials to give a future interchange a preliminary "thumbs up" or "thumbs down". If "thumbs up", initiate a process to include an interchange project in regional and local transportation system plans. This process would include a detailed planning study called a Refinement Plan. Benefits of a new Interchange A new interchange would support planned land uses in the project area. . Downtown Eugene and Downtown Springfield: Would provide additional accessibility to both downtowns and enhance the function of Franklin Boulevard as the connection between the two. . Glenwood Neighborhood: Would provide increased local and regional accessibility and opportunities for employment growth to the Glenwood mixed use redevelopment area. . Nodal development on Franklin BRT: Would increase the desirability of the nodal development locations planned along the BRT line. . University of Oregon and Arena: Would provide the most convenient regional freeway access to the University and the proposed multi-purpose arena facility. Traffic and Circulation Benefits A new interchange may improve traffic congestion and circulation on area roadways. . Slightly reduce traffic volumes on Ferry Street bridge . Shift more regional traffic to highway system . Allow for modernization of the Glenwood interchange . Does not increase traffic along Franklin Boulevard . Reduce out-of-direction travel between 1-5 and neighborhoods, institutions, and businesses along Franklin Blvd Prolect Issues Technical issues that may influence the project. . Does not address anticipated future congestion on Franklin west of 1-5 . Increases reliance on highway system for regional trip-making . Increases traffic volumes on 1-5 north of Franklin . Category 3/4 concepts may require widening of Glenwood to a five-lane roadway . May increase traffic volumes on north-south streets between Agate and Walnut . May require closure of existing neighborhood connection onto northbound 1-5 off-ramp at Franklin Features of the natural and built environment that could present cost and constructability issues include: . Topography . Utilities . Railroad 2