Draft Purpose, Need, and Goals for the Project
Major highway plans follow a specific decision process to make sure that all options are evaluated in a fair and equal manner. The Highway 126 Fern Ridge Corridor Plan is following this structure, and the first step is to develop the project’s “Purpose, Need, Goals, and Objectives” from the problem statement. The project’s Purpose and Need combined with its Goals and Objectives provide the basis for making important decisions, such as where to construct improvements and whether to build minor improvements or expand the road to four lanes. The draft Purpose and Need Statement along with the Goals and Objectives were developed by the Department of Transportation with input from the public, but it is still a draft! Please read the text below, and if you have comments or questions, write them down or give us a call. We only have time for input on purpose/need/goals at this meeting, so you are welcome to review the entire text of the project’s Purpose and Need Statement, and Goals and Objectives on our website: The project team will be accepting public input until October 25. To contact the project, email us at , or send written/verbal comments to Julie Fischer, 1865 Madison Street, Eugene, OR 97402, 541-556-6654.
Purpose
The purpose of the OR 126W Fern Ridge Corridor Plan is to:
- Develop a system-level transportation corridor plan
- Address multi-modal safety and operational problems
- Identify potential facility improvement options
Comments on purpose:
Need
The need for the OR 126W Fern Ridge Corridor Plan is to more thoroughly identify and evaluate the existing safety and operational functions that must be addressed on OR 126W between the cities of Eugene and Veneta. These functions include:
Safety
- Overall crash rate higher than other similar facilities throughout the state
- On average 2 fatalities or debilitating injuries per year
- Emergency response times impacted during incidents
Operations
- Serves 14,450 average annual daily vehicle trips
- Summer usage increases to approximately 18,000 daily vehicle trips
- Mix of roadway users: local, commuter, freight and tourist
- Accommodate all modes
- Provides limited opportunities for passing
Comments on need:
Draft Goals
Specific transportation goals were developed for the OR 126W study corridor and address the areas of transportation, environmental, social and economic, and community planning:
Goal 1: Transportation
Provide a multi-modal transportation system from Veneta to Eugene to meet existing and future safety and mobility needs for all transportation system users
Goal 2: Environmental
Strive to minimize the impacts to local environmental and community resources while incorporating opportunities to enhance those resources
Goal 3: Social and Economic
Enhance the economic viability of the region including industrial, commercial, recreational and tourist activities; protect the livability and integrity of the residential areas; provide a financially viable project
Goal 4: Community Planning
Be consistent with the adopted long term goals and policies of the community and the region
Comments on Goals:
Input on Highway 126 Fern Ridge Corridor Plan Alternatives
The Highway 126: Fern Ridge Corridor Plan will identify and evaluate a range of alternatives to enhance the safety and function of Highway 126 between the cities of Veneta and Eugene. If you have an opinion about the highway, please review your handouts, answer the questions below, and return this sheet to the registration table before you leave tonight. Thank you!
Questions:
- What alternative(s) do you prefer? Why?
- Are there alternatives you prefer that are not on this list? If so, what are they?
Summary of Alternatives
A. Existing Alignment Alternatives:
- No Build
- Traffic System Management:
- Alternative Mobility Standards (accepting a higher level of congestion)
- Park-and-Ride Lots
- Rideshare Programs (Carpooling/vanpooling)
- Provide Pedestrian Access to Transit Stations
- Spot Improvements:
- Street Lighting (Location Specific)
- Improved Pavement Markings/Rumble Strips
- Right or Left Turn Lanes
- Speed Reader Signs
- Transit Stop Facilities
- Three Lanes
- Four Lanes
B. Southern Alignment Alternatives:
- Two/Three Lanes
- Multi-Use Path
Other Comments