April 7 open house on proposed design enhancements

From ODOT-You're all invited to our open house planned for April 7, Eugene Public Library, 100 West 10th Ave., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bascom-Tykeson meeting rooms. Five exciting proposals will be on display for design enhancements adjacent to Interstate 5 near the new Willamette River Bridge. Our goal is to create an awareness of the influence of the local Kalapuya Tribe and complement the theme of Whilamut Passage for travelers crossing the Willamette River. Each proposal represents a different approach to telling the area's story. I think you'll be intrigued by what each artist team proposed. Pictures, models and text descriptions will outline each proposal and all attendees will be given feedback forms so their thoughts on the proposals can be heard. A selection committee of local stakeholders will review the feedback as they reach consensus on a final recommendation. It will be great to meet our blog's readers and get the most feedback possible. ODOT will review the recommendation and make a final selection in May. In June our project engineer (OBEC) will finish the contract with the finalist to complete the design and prepare bid documents. Installation will be late in 2013 or early 2014, once the bridge project is complete. If you cannot attend in person, please go to our website at www.willamettebridge.org April 7 through April 13 to review the proposed designs.