Multi-use path viaduct takes shape

From ODOT

There has been a lot of work happening on the multi-use path viaduct east of the Whilamut Passage Bridge since my last update.

 

Here’s a closer look at what we’ve been doing to build the multi-use path viaduct this winter.  



Crews placed large concrete box beams for the new path viaduct between the Willamette River and Franklin Boulevard to the right. The beams are salvaged from the temporary Interstate 5 bridge built in 2004. Each beam is about 100 feet long.

 



Next, workers added a temporary wooden safety railing to protect crews during construction. They will install a permanent railing later next year.

 



To stabilize the transition from the edge of the river's south bank to the viaduct, our team built a 67-foot long concrete block retaining wall at the east end of the path.


 

Here's a view of the path viaduct from the Willamette River looking south toward Franklin Boulevard. By fall of 2014 the new path connecting Springfield to Alton Baker Park will be paved and ready for pedestrians, runners and cyclists. 



New paths will feature safety improvements.

From ODOT-

ODOT is working closely with the cities of Eugene and Springfield to enhance and improve safety on pedestrian paths along the banks of the Willamette River near the new Interstate 5 bridges. Some changes are already in place but most will be finished in late 2013 or early 2014.



Crews have repaved and striped the Canoe Canal Path and the paved paths on the north and south banks of the river under the bridges. They are also minimizing dangerous corners and intersections and eliminating a large drop in the path on the north end of the Knickerbocker Bridge. Path users will see new landscaping, including native species of trees, shrubs, flowers and prairie grass. A new path on the south bank of the river will link existing routes and provide great views of the river. It will start east of the Knickerbocker Bridge, follow the riverbank under the I-5 bridges and connect to Franklin Boulevard. The city of Springfield plans to extend this new path to the intersection of Glenwood Boulevard and Franklin Boulevard.



We enjoy working with local partners to make these path improvements for the benefit of users for years to come.

New pedestrian path on south bank of the Willamette River

This picture shows the route for the new path on the south side of Franklin Boulevard.

From ODOT- Construction crews are preparing the south bank of the Willamette River under the vicinity of Interstate 5 for a new pedestrian path set to open in spring 2014. ODOT is building the path in cooperation with the cities of Eugene and Springfield.

This direct, safer route for pedestrians and bike riders will start east of the Knickerbocker Bridge and run along the riverbank until it joins a new path constructed by the city of Springfield along Franklin Boulevard.

This will be no ordinary path. Beams saved from the recently demolished temporary I-5 detour bridge over the Willamette River will be supported by concrete columns to create a viaduct that will offer great views of the river and new bridges.

The city of Springfield will continue the new path to the intersection of Franklin Boulevard and Glenwood Boulevard. Traffic signals will make the intersection safer for path users crossing Franklin Boulevard. Eastbound bike riders will share a wide sidewalk with pedestrians, and westbound cyclists will use a path on the south side of Franklin Boulevard.

We are very excited about these improvements!

Cyclists: Please slow down and respect all path users

From ODOT-



Better weather means more people using the pedestrian and bicycle paths near the construction of the Willamette River Bridge.



It’s great to see so many of you enjoying the park and stopping to view the ongoing construction work. But as activity on the paths increases, there are more safety challenges for all.



The detour paths near the bridge work are designed for users to pass safely through the construction area with minimal slowdowns and construction conflicts.



We’ve observed some cyclists speeding in congested areas, which increases the risk of crashes and injuries. Please slow down and watch out for other path users to ensure everybody’s safety.



The detour routes are not the final path configurations and will change by the time the bridge project is complete. The detour paths near the north end of the Knickerbocker Bridge are one example. The final alignment for the park paths is shown on the construction kiosks located throughout the park.



We are pleased with the construction progress on the bridges and look forward to the final path improvements. In the meantime, cyclists, please slow down as you pass through the park, enjoy the ride and stay safe.



Watch our public service announcement addressing path safety around the project.