Details

About

​​OR 126 between the Willamette Valley and the Oregon Coast ​provides connection for goods and services as well as freight needing access to I-5. The seven mile section between Veneta and Eugene is currently a two-lane road with narrow shoulders and no bicycle or pedestrian facilities. This section of highway is a commuter route for many of Veneta’s residents, who work in Eugene and Springfield. ​​

In 2011, we worked with a consultant team of engineers, specialists and environmental scientists to lead a study that engaged residents, businesses, and other local stakeholders to identify and prioritize improvements to the highway. The resulting Fern Ridge Corridor Plan was adopted in 2013. This Corridor Plan outlined preferred design alternatives and a set of safety and operational improvements.



Since 2013, we have repaved, striped, provided bus turn outs and most recently built a turn lane at Ellmaker Road. The current OR 126: Veneta to Eugene project will build on the work of the Corridor Plan to:



Complete community outreach to confirm the public’s preferred design for widening the highway between Veneta and Eugene.

Identify natural and built environmental resources and assess the impacts of widening the highway, following the requirements in the National Environmental Policy Act, otherwise known as NEPA.

Develop the design to support the NEPA process.

Establish a project cost and construction phasing plan. ​



When work is complete we will have a design that enhances safety and operations along the corridor including providing passing opportunities, and a safe travel space for pedestrians and bicycles.



Schedule​​



​Work to date

​The OR 126 Fern Ridge Corridor Plan was adopted in 2013.



Timeline

This process will take about 18-24 months (March 2020- March 2022):



Field work began in April 2020 and is expected to be complete in September 2020.​



Public engagement begins spring 2020 and will run through the fall.



This is a planning study, with no funding for design and construction. If funding can be found later, the design process will take about 18 months, and construction will take approximately two years.



Location

Cost and Funding

| from Huston Road to Terry Street

​This project is funded by House Bill 2017, Keep Oregon Moving, with a budget of $3 million.

