Willamette River bike trail

The shortest days are still ahead, and as visibility decreases and roadways and paths collect water, the Willamette River Bridge project's safety team reminds you to be alert as you travel through our work zone.

Construction work will increase next month on Franklin Boulevard as box beams are delivered to the site. Cranes will then place the beams to create the new multi-use path viaduct on the south bank of the Willamette River parallel to Franklin Boulevard.

Work on the new viaduct and construction traffic entering the work zone just east of the Whilamut Passage Bridge create even more activity on this highly traveled road.

"Entering and exiting the work site is a major concern," said Haily Griffith, of PCA Health and Safety Consultants. "Our crews will do all they can to avoid impacting traffic on Franklin Boulevard. We also need motorists and cyclists to slow down, pay attention to flaggers and be ready to stop briefly if needed for construction traffic."

• Avoid stopping along a path or roadway to watch construction work. Choose a safer location away from the immediate work area. The Knickerbocker Bridge is a wonderful viewpoint.
• If you're driving or biking through the work zone, lower your speed and be ready to stop quickly.
• Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert.
• Pay close attention to flaggers and signs near the project site.
• Like motorists, cyclists are required by law to obey construction speed limits, signs and flaggers who are there for your safety.
• Cyclists should also wear high-visibility outerwear and use front and rear bike lights.

I'm excited about writing my first post for the Willamette River Bridge project blog. When I was part of ODOT's Geo-Environmental Natural Resources Unit, I watched how the project has benefited by collaboration.

One example of this is at the parks coordination meetings, where local jurisdictions, parks and community members meet with ODOT Project Manager Karl Wieseke and me on the first Friday of each month to focus on how the project impacts the surrounding area. Attendees represent local natural areas and parks, including:

· City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division.

· City of Eugene Public Works Transportation Department.

· Willamalane Park & Recreation District.

· Citizen Planning Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area.

· Fairmount Neighbors Association.

These representatives point out maintenance concerns, provide information on existing area charters and collaborate with us to find solutions that work for everybody. The meetings also give the project team an opportunity to update the parks agencies and our neighbors on construction activity. Design enhancements and park improvements are the most common topics of discussion.

Some results of our close collaboration include protective fencing for wetlands and reconfiguration of a frog pond in the Whilamut Natural Area. Both efforts will help restore the area to better-than-original conditions. We also use the parks coordination meetings to agree on a long-term maintenance plan to ensure continuity of care for areas surrounding the project.

I look forward to continued collaboration with this knowledgeable and motivated group as the project moves forward.I'm excited about writing my first post for the Willamette River Bridge project blog. When I was part of ODOT's Geo-Environmental Natural Resources Unit, I watched how the project has benefited by collaboration.

Explore Related Categories