HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 4987COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 4987
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AND ENCOURAGING
ODOT TO CONSTRUCT A RETAINING WALL ON THE
WEST -FACING FILL SLOPE BETWEEN THE
WILLAMETTE RIVER AND ALTON BAKER PARK CANOE
CANAL FOR THE PROTECTION OF TREES
PASSED: 8:0
REJECTED:
OPPOSED:
ABSENT:
October 12, 2009
RESOLUTION NO. 4987
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AND ENCOURAGING ODOT TO
CONSTRUCT A RETAINING WALL ON THE WEST - FACING FILL
SLOPE BETWEEN THE WILLAMETTE RIVER AND ALTON BAKER
PARK CANOE CANAL FOR THE PROTECTION OF TREES.
The City Council of the City of Eugene finds that:
A. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is engaged in the replacement
of the Interstate 5 bridges over the Willamette River due to structural deficiencies in the existing
bridges.
B. The west - facing fill slope for the existing interstate roadway and project right -of-
way is adjacent to the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park.
C. The fill slope between the Willamette River and Alton Baker Park Canoe Canal is
home to several mature trees. The trees on the fill slope provide an important natural visual and
sound buffer between the interstate and parkland including two heavily used paths in the
Whilamut Natural Area. The existing trees and vegetation also serve as a wildlife corridor
between the Willamette River and Canoe Canal.
D. The bridge replacement project plans call for expanding the fill slope within
ODOT right -of -way to accommodate a new roadway alignment. Expansion of the west- facing
fill slope would necessitate removal of several mature trees and other vegetation. If all of the
trees on the fill slope were removed, reestablishment of a similar natural buffer from the roadway
could take decades.
E. A retaining wall at the top of the west - facing fill slope would allow for roadway
realignment and widening while allowing many of the naturally buffering trees on the lower
slope to remain.
F. ODOT is aware of the existing natural buffer between the roadway and parkland
and is seeking project funding to design and build a retaining wall to protect the trees.
G. Willamalane Park and Recreation District has requested removal of a retaining
wall on the east - facing fill slope. Cost savings from removal of the east - facing retaining wall
could be transferred to meet similar project budget needs for a west - facing retaining wall.
H. ODOT continues to be responsive to community and agency interests to preserve
and enhance the natural environment surrounding the Interstate 5 Willamette River Bridge
project, named Whilamut Passage. Plans also include safety improvements to the path system
and artistic enhancements.
Resolution - Page 1 of 2
L ODOT has actively engaged the Citizens Planning Committee for the Whilamut
Natural Area of Alton Baker Park and the City of Eugene to develop plans respectful of park
goals and enhance the natural area.
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EUGENE, a Municipal Corporation of the State of Oregon, as follows:
Section 1. The City Council supports and encourages ODOT to secure funding to
design and construct a retaining wall at the top of the west - facing fill slope to protect the mature
trees on the lower fill slope.
Section 2 . This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
The foregoing Resolution adopted the 12th day of October, 2009.
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AIC Cfty Recorder
Resolution - Page 2 of 2