Park Improvements Continue

From ODOT-

Park improvements continue

While replacing the Interstate 5 bridge over the Willamette River, it has been impossible to avoid impacting the parkland that surrounds it. That’s why we made agreements with the cities of Eugene and Springfield to restore the land to a better condition than it was before the first shovel broke ground.

This is a great time of year for planting and making some of those park improvements.

Our project team continues to plant native vegetation and improve the natural areas that surround the new I-5 Whilamut Passage Bridge. If you have passed through the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park, you’ve probably noticed new improvements popping up, including landscaping and fencing. If you haven’t been through the park lately, here’s a peek at what’s happening.

Grass seed matures on both sides of the new right of way fence installed on the east side of the new northbound I-5 bridge.

Wooden fencing protects newly planted native vegetation east of the Canoe Canal.

Earth in front of the sound wall on the northeast side of I-5 is for planting.

While there is a lot of landscaping and planting yet to come, it’s exciting to see young, native vegetation in the ground. Planting them early in the year allows the roots to establish in the ground and stay moist from winter rains.

Crews planted a variety of native bare-root shrubs, tree species and container plants near the Canoe Canal; these will continue to show up around the project.