South Bank Path: Planning for the Future

From ODOT-  The south bank viaduct path is an investment in the community's infrastructure.  City officials and ODOT recognize that it's a vital part of the bicycle and pedestrian network.  Together, we are working hard to improve it.



Some of you have requested more information about the long-term plans for the south bank viaduct path.  I'm happy to describe these and to clarify what is included as part of the Willamette River Bridge project and what will occur independent of it.



Adjusting the south bank path route



The new, permanent viaduct path will follow a different route than it does today.  It will begin east of the Knickerbocker Bridge and run along the north side of Franklin Boulevard, rather than the south side.



ODOT built a temporary detour for the path to accommodate construction of the new Whilamut Passage Bridge, allow space for stream restoration between the path and the river, and divert path users from ongoing construction hazards.  This detour is necessary for project safety.



Extending the path



ODOT is also extending the path to just west of the Oldham Crane Service property as part of the Willamette River Bridge project.  We are coordinating with the cities of Eugene and Springfield to establish appropriate connections to the new viaduct path, but those will be a separate project.  The city of Springfield plans to extend the new path east, allowing users to cross Franklin Boulevard at the intersection with Glenwood Boulevard.  Traffic signals there will make crossing the busy lanes safer for all.



OBEC Consulting Engineers, the design team leading the Willamette River Bridge project, is also working with the City of Springfield on the path extension.  They are currently in the design phase and expect the extension to open with the rest of the viaduct path in 2014.  The existing south bank connector path will remain open until this connection is finished.

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!

Can you spot the safety hazards?

From ODOT-

ODOT’s top priority is safety—for both the traveling public and roadside workers. Because of Oregon’s robust safety program, our contractor, Hamilton Construction, and its crews have worked 25,681 hours on this project without a time-loss injury.





While we always make safety our top priority, bridge construction sites of 50 years ago looked very different than those today.



Safety regulations and practices have come a long way since the construction of the original Interstate 5 Willamette River Bridge in 1961. Construction equipment, tools and techniques have improved safety and operations over the years. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations have helped to protect workers since 1970.



So let’s take a trip in the time machine and go back 50 years.



Can you spot the hazards that would be modern OSHA violations in this historic construction photo of the original Willamette River Bridge?



Put your answers in the comment section of this post. We will reveal the answers on the blog next week. Good luck!

Safety tips

From ODOT-
The Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest travel weekend of the year. As thoughts turn to celebrating with family and friends, we will suspend construction on the Willamette River Bridge project from Nov. 25 through Nov. 28.

Although actual roadwork will pause for the holiday, the work zone is still considered "active." The on-ramp from Franklin Boulevard to southbound I-5 is still closed, park path detours are still in effect and equipment is still in the area.

There are many standard safety tips to follow, but my top-three favorites are:

• Obey the speed limit - remember that fines double in highway work zones.
• Wear your seat belts - Oregon is joining traffic enforcement nationwide to reduce crashes, injuries and deaths during the holiday period's special Click It or Ticket enforcement effort.
• Stay sober and alert - don't drink and drive or get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.

On a related note, I've recently learned that, statewide, there's been a significant increase in pedestrian vs. auto accidents compared to the same time last year. Many pedestrians and bicyclists share the paths in Alton Baker Park. Some of the paths near the work site are now affected by construction detours as well as the dark and wet conditions of winter. Please use extra caution on the paths and on the roadways.

Our entire ODOT and Hamilton Construction team urges you to drive carefully and plan for extra time to reach your destination during the weekend.

Have a safe and fun holiday!

Construction activity over Franklin Blvd.

From ODOT-
If you are like me, driving through a construction zone always puts me on alert, not only am I wanting to look to see what work is taking place but also watching for lane changes, workers in or near the roadway and equipment. If you travel on Franklin Boulevard as it passes under Interstate 5, you've noticed a lot of activity.

In recent weeks, work crews have closed at least one lane in each direction, driven pile in the middle of the roadway to support bridge falsework, and erected and poured bridge piers on either side of the roadway. All of this activity is taking place while traffic continues to move between Eugene and Springfield.

As construction progresses, watch for future lane closures and shifts when construction actually begins on the bridge overhead. At times it might feel more like going through a tunnel than under a bridge, but traffic will always move between the two cities, with minimal delays.

Please be alert to the ongoing activity on the new Willamette River Bridge as it passes over Franklin Boulevard.

~Jyll

Web cast and PSA launched

Summer seems to have finally arrived! The timing is great as we have just launched our second Web cast showing you the construction work that is underway and what to expect this year. After viewing the Web cast, as you walk, run or bike through the Whilamut Natural Area, you will have a better sense of the activity you are seeing.

Please also remember to be careful on the path detours and obey the flaggers. We’ve created a Public Service Announcement to alert path users of the importance of obeying flaggers. I encourage you to share this with others who enjoy the paths.