HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem C: ODOT Presentation on I-5/Willamette River Bridge Project
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
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Springfield and Eugene on May 3, 2007, to solicit feedback and answer questions. Additional open
houses will be held throughout the environmental assessment, federal approval and design process.
ODOT also created a project website and public comment log at:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION2/I-5WRB.shtml
RELATED CITY POLICIES
The Eugene City Council will be asked to grant a Willamette Greenway permit for construction as the
project falls within the Eugene city limits (Eugene Code, 9.8800). The Willamette Greenway permit
implements Oregon Statewide Planning Goal 15, Willamette River Greenway, which is designed to
protect, conserve, enhance, and maintain the natural, scenic, historical, agricultural, economic, and
recreational qualities of lands along the Willamette River. The Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan General
Area Plan identifies the Willamette Greenway boundary as required by Goal 15 and references the
Eugene permitting requirement as a finding (Metro Plan, III-D).
There has also been community interest in how the bridge looks and its potential environmental impact.
The project is funded primarily through the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III (OTIA III) State
Bridge Delivery Program coupled with additional federal funding. There are no city funds included in
the project.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
None; this is an opportunity for the council to receive information and provide feedback to ODOT staff.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
None; this item is informational only.
SUGGESTED MOTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Chris Henry, Transportation Planning Engineer
Telephone: 541-682-8472
Staff E-Mail: chris.c.henry@ci.eugene.or.us
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