Eugene Police, Public Works ask for community cooperation during downtown construction

Eugene Police and the Public Works departments are asking community members to be extra patient and to plan ahead when expecting to drive downtown. This week and in coming weeks, significant construction on highly traveled streets has proven challenging to local drivers.

Several competing projects and detours have rendered downtown challenging to navigate, though construction crews and Eugene Public Works are working diligently to mitigate the disruption. EPD is getting reports of people driving the wrong way down alleys and streets, reckless driving, conflict between drivers and speeding.

"We understand that the confluence of projects has been a huge challenge for people who work, shop, eat, drive and bike in downtown Eugene," said City Engineer Jenifer Willer. "Our contractors are working as quickly as they can to get roadways back to normal, but we need the public's patience and understanding during this temporary situation. In a few instances, we've been able to get ahead of schedule on some facets of the work. We are monitoring the conditions and evaluating potential adjustments in real time each day."

EPD reminds community members that fines for traffic violations increase in work zones and can range from $225 to $875.

As previously announced, Pearl Street will be closed for a while more, though the work is ahead of schedule and pushing to be partially reopen by May 10. The Sixth Avenue offramp from the Ferry Street Bridge will be closed from 9 a.m. to noon May 8.

Community members who need to travel downtown are advised check the road work advisory list online that is updated each week. Eugeneans should plan ahead, leave extra time, use public transit or park a little further out and walk to their destination when possible.

For more City updates visit our City Newsroom webpage.