Eugene is building its first 'protected' intersection. Here is how it could improve safety
Eugene resumed construction work this week on its first protected intersection at River and Irving Roads.
The project was initially set to be completed in Fall 2023 but ran into conflicts with non-city-owned overhead utilities which have now been relocated, according to the Eugene Public Works department.
The National Association of City Transportation Officials defines protected intersections as a structural format to create shorter, simpler crossings where movements are predictable, and visibility is improved between people on bikes and people driving.
"The River Road at Irving Road intersection has been difficult for vulnerable road users because there were no bike lanes and multiple potentially dangerous junctions," said Eugene Public Works in a press release. "In response to the challenges people walking, biking and rolling face, the city designed this project with pedestrians and cyclists at the forefront."
Once construction is complete, the intersection will have separated infrastructure for bike riders and pedestrians, including grade separation, distinct striping for crossing the roadway, strategically placed curbs, and additional signal phasing for safe crossings.
Officials with Eugene Public Works said they chose the intersection for this project because of its importance in connecting river Road to the Riverbank Path and because its "deteriorating status" required a full rebuild.
Construction on the intersection is expected to finish by August and until then, the city says it will implement modified traffic control and pedestrian access.
Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: What is a 'protected' intersection? Eugene is building its first
