The City of Springfield along with partners City of Eugene and Lane Transit District have been awarded $19 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding America Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program for Phase 2 of the Franklin Boulevard Partnership project.

The money will be used to continue to transform Franklin Boulevard and create better transportation between Eugene and Springfield. The project will connect nearby neighborhoods, improve the bus rapid transit (BRT) system, deliver significant environmental benefits, and improve safety for travelers by adding continuous sidewalks, and safer more convenient connections to the regional bicycle network. An additional roundabout will be added at Mississippi Avenue with a new roundabout and other improvements in Eugene to increase the number of people who can move through and along the corridor..

Upon hearing the news of being awarded the RAISE grant Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon said, “The City of Springfield is honored to receive this RAISE grant to help rebuild Franklin Boulevard. Our community deserves a modern transportation corridor which emphasizes roadway safety and mobility. We are grateful to our partners at the City of Eugene and Lane Transit District for their teamwork in bringing these competitive funds to our region. This award will set the tone locally for America’s planned reinvestment in critical infrastructure over the next decade to support quality of life, jobs, transportation choices, and a healthy local economy. We cannot thank our Federal Delegation enough, including Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley, and Congressman Peter DeFazio, for their support and leadership.”

Click here to read the full update and for more information about the RAISE grant, the Franklin Boulevard Partnership project, and to sign up on our project e-update list, visit https://bit.ly/FranklinPH2

The Cities of Eugene and Springfield, along with financial and project support from the Lane Transit District, jointly submitted a request for federal funding to complete Phase 2 of the Franklin Boulevard Partnership project. A big thanks to all community members and other stakeholders whose time, vision, and support made this possible. As we continue our commitment to saving and improving lives, this year's request follows last year's Franklin Boulevard Opportunity Zone Corridor application (not funded). If this year's application is successful, federal funding will come from the US Department of Transportation's (USDOT's) RAISE grant program for the 2021 cycle. "RAISE" is short for Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity. USDOT will announce its decision by November 22, 2021. Additional information about RAISE grants and the application materials are available on the City of Eugene's website.

The vision for Franklin Boulevard is moving forward as we begin to plan for Phase 2. The first phase of Franklin Boulevard was completed in 2018 and has been in service for three years. Phase 1 included two new roundabouts and improvements for pedestrian and bicycle access. The City is continuing to work on the corridor and is focusing on Phase 2 from Mississippi Avenue to just east of Henderson Avenue as well as Franklin Blvd (Hwy 225).

​Included in this update are the key points of this next phase. Click here to read the full update.

In May 2020, the Cities of Eugene and Springfield jointly submitted an application for funding for the Franklin Boulevard Opportunity Zone Corridor during the 2020 grant cycle. Unfortunately, it was not selected for funding. The project will be resubmitted for the 2021 funding cycle. Additional information and the 2020 application materials are available on the City of Eugene's website.

Check out this aerial image of the work completed on New Franklin Boulevard as of October 30, 2017! The image was taken with a drone by Wildish Construction Co., the contractor for the project.

Click on image to enlarge.

Check out this aerial image of the work completed on New Franklin Boulevard as of October 3, 2017! The image was taken with a drone by Wildish Construction Co., the contractor for the project.

 Click on image to enlarge.

Print Version of Franklin E-Update 9-17

We Are Making Progress       Click on this drone image to see recent progress Construction is exciting and often complicated. It is exciting to see the new concrete framework for bioswales and rain gardens where plants and soil will clean out the pollutants that get washed off the road before the stormwater reaches the streams and rivers. It is exciting to see the beginnings of new sidewalks with a separation of pedestrians and bicyclists for improved travel safety. And now all the property needed has successfully been acquired to complete Phase 1 construction. This is vital progress that helps move the vision for Glenwood forward. Bioswale and rain garden Sidewalk construction By early fall we aim to be far enough along to reopen a section for travel, beginning with northbound McVay Highway turning eastbound on Franklin towards Springfield. This should decrease the number of vehicles that need to use the detour. Sealing the joints ensures the longevity of the new road Communication Helps Us All Thank you for your understanding and patience, for sharing valuable suggestions, and for the appreciation we have received from neighbors who know that we are doing our best to get the job done safely and as quickly as possible with the least disruption. In response, we recently: Installed a temporary Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) to make crossing Franklin Boulevard safer for pedestrians and bicyclists Placed gravel to fill ruts on Brooklyn Street and the U-Haul driveway Installed an asphalt path for pedestrians, and installed asphalt at the Brooklyn approach Moved a no-left-turn sign and an overhead-line sign to help traffic flow better Springfield Police continue to help to slow detour traffic Temporary Rapid Flash Beacon helps pedestrians cross the road Work crews are building curbs and pouring travel lanes, working on the roundabout, and installing the utilities for new lighting. Building a rolled curb for emergency vehicles and trucks The center island is taking shape

Thank you for reporting concerns and for sharing suggestions for improvements.  We recognize that life in or near a construction zone can be difficult and the City is truly committed to doing what we can to help. We are working hard to fix the problems we can. Our priorities are safety first and then convenience.

We have restricted the left turn onto Franklin Boulevard from S. Brooklyn Avenue to make the intersection as safe as possible during construction.We are looking at ways that we can manage the flow of traffic on Franklin to create gaps between groups of cars to allow vehicles to enter Franklin from the side streets more easily. We are unfortunately limited in our options, but we are committed to trouble shooting these concerns and issues. To travel into Eugene from S. Brooklyn Avenue, turn right onto Franklin Boulevard, cross the bridge over the Willamette River and turn left onto Mill Street then left onto Main Street.

We also understand that crossing Franklin Boulevard, as a pedestrian is a concern for folks.  We have added more pedestrian crossing signs and we will be adding additional crosswalk striping.  We are continuing to research ways to improve the pedestrian crossings. In response to concerns we have:

• Had a tractor trailer moved that obstructed views on the detour and installed No Parking signs at this location
• Posted Dead End signs on multiple side streets
• Added Slow signs and striping on Henderson Avenue and E.19th Avenue
• Created a buffered pedestrian walk on Franklin Boulevard
• Installed Pedestrian Xing signs and we will add crosswalk striping on Franklin Boulevard
• Improved instructions for flaggers on S. Franklin/McVay Highway
• Added more directional signs to businesses

As Glenwood residents, business, and property owners communicate concerns, we work really hard to try to improve the situation as much as possible.  We truly care and are trying to do what we can to ease the disruptions during construction.  Thank you again for your patience and support.

• Visit the project website at newfranklinblvd.org
• If you received this email directly, you will continue to receive e-updates
• If this email was forwarded to you, then Sign Up for Email Updates
• Call Project Manager, Kristi Krueger at 541-726-4584

Preparations are complete and the detour will go into effect Wednesday morning, May 24th.  The intersection of Franklin Boulevard and South Franklin (McVay Highway 225) will be closed to turns while under construction.  A detour, as shown below, will be provided to access all businesses and residences. Wednesday afternoon traffic will be shifted to the north side of Franklin Boulevard with one lane in each direction. At this time the signal at Brooklyn Avenue will be turned off. Thank you for your patience.

• Visit the project website at newfranklinblvd.org
• If you received this email directly, you will continue to receive e-updates
• If this email was forwarded to you, then Sign Up for Email Updates
• Call Project Manager, Kristi Krueger at 541-726-4584

Beginning in mid-May 2017, the intersection of Franklin Boulevard and South Franklin (McVay Highway 225) will be closed to turns while under construction. Construction will take place between 7 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday, unless otherwise notified.  A detour will be provided to access all businesses and residences.

• Visit the project website at newfranklinblvd.org
• If you received this email directly, you will continue to receive periodic e-updates
• If this email was forwarded to you, then Sign Up for Email Updates
• Call Project Manager, Kristi Krueger at 541-726-4584

To view e-update: Franklin Update 3-29-17

Click to enlarge

The City has worked to reduce the overall impacts to property and business owners throughout the project. Staff has worked with the property and business owners to purchase property, assist in the cut and reface of buildings that are partially in the new right-of-way or relocate businesses that are needing to move as noted in the image.

The City of Springfield and ODOT conducted an analysis of impacts as required by the federal government.  The following document describes the impacts and concludes that the project does not have significant individual or cumulative impacts according to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Franklin Blvd NEPA Document: Categorical Exclusion 120916

Appendices to the above document:

ODOT Safety Investigations Manual

Summary of Planning Efforts in Glenwood

Franklin Boulevard Traffic Volumes

City of Springfield Summary of Roundabout Analysis

Public Outreach Summary

Response to Comments Received

Response to NEPA Status Comment

Comment Regarding NEPA Compliance

Response to Comment Regarding NEPA Compliance

Second Response to Comment Regarding NEPA Compliance

Parsons Brinckerhoff Memorandum 02/12/14, Socioeconomics

Displaced Business Employer Survey Results Compilation

Parsons Brinckerhoff Memorandum 02/12/14, Environmental Justice

ODOT Historic Finding of No Adverse Effect, Request for Concurrence

Historic Finding of No Adverse Effect, Concurrence

Final Noise Technical Report

Air Quality Report

ESA Determination of No Effect

NMFS FAHP Review and Approval

ODOT FAHP ESA-MSA Programmatic Notification: OR126B & McVay Hwy: Mississippi Ave-UPRR Tracks

Phase 1 Plan Set:

Phase 1 Plan Set Pages 1-8

Phase 1 Plan Set Pages 9-17

Phase 1 Stormwater Management Plan

USFWS FAHP Review and Approval

ODOT FAHP ESA-MSA Programmatic Notification: Franklin Boulevard: I-5 to McVay Highway

Additional Stormwater Management Data Page

Phase 2 Plan Set

URS Memorandum 12/5/2013

Click to enlarge image

Click on image to enlarge.

Click on image to view.

E-Update to Interested Parties List:

On Pace with Design and Construction Plans

E-Update to the Interested Parties List:

To help increase the community's awareness and understanding of how to use and observe both one-lane and two-lane roundabouts, the City of Springfield has produced a new instructional video with step by step instructions on how to use the different types of roundabouts. The video shows how pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists should safely use a roundabout together and how to observe one another's movements within each type of roundabout.

https://youtu.be/LHEMbIzswKA

Click the image twice to enlarge

Franklin_Overview Flyer_10-14-15 update

Open House Summary

Approximately 160 people attended the Open House on September 30th. View Franklin Open House Summary

Graphics displayed at the Open House:

Roundabout Details Phase 1 McVay to Mississippi

Key Facts Flyer

Text from the Invitation:

Wednesday, September 30, 2015 

Stop in between 5:00-7:00 pm 

Roaring Rapids Pizza, Great Bear Hall, 4006 Franklin Blvd

Sign up for our Email Updates if you can't make it!

The City of Springfield invites you to see the new design for Franklin Blvd from McVay Hwy to Mississippi Ave. Phase 1 construction, from McVay Hwy to Mississippi Ave., is anticipated to begin summer 2016. No residences will be displaced by the road design and construction.

The Franklin Blvd. project in Glenwood is fully underway! In 2014 staff completed a preliminary determination that the project qualifies for a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Categorical Exclusion. The Federal Highway Administration agreed with the approach. Since then, we have been working hard to meet our obligations under NEPA and hope to have final Categorical Exclusion approval soon. Staff has now started the design and right-of-way phase. The above image is a rendering of what Franklin Boulevard will look like after the project is completed from the intersection of South Franklin/McVay Hwy and Mississippi St looking to the west.

During the environmental process a layout of the future cross-section of the road was developed in order to analyze the environmental impacts and was further refined numerous times to reduce the overall impacts of the project.  The final layout is shown below and includes:

• 2 vehicle lanes in each direction
• Protected bike facility
• Wide sidewalks
• Roundabout intersections
• Access lanes on select blocks
• New permanent bus rapid transit stations
• Green water quality treatment facilities
• Landscaping
• Decorative roadway and pedestrian level lighting
• Preserved right-of-way for future needs

What Is Happening Now?

• Design of the roundabouts has started with the horizontal preliminary layout submitted for McVay Hwy to Mississippi Ave.
• Design of the entire corridor is in process with 30% expected to be completed this September. This design will include the entire horizontal design from McVay Hwy to Glenwood Blvd., vertical alignments and grading to build a 3D model of the roadway, swale locations, and pavement design.
• We are in the process of acquiring right-of-way for Phase 1 (McVay Hwy. to Mississippi Ave.).
• The current plan for construction is to construct Phase 1 (McVay Hwy. to Mississippi Ave.) as funding allows. The hope is to begin construction of Phase 1 in the summer of 2016
• The City recently submitted a TIGER grant application to aid in funding the right-of-way acquisition and construction of the remaining portion of the project from Mississippi Ave. to Glenwood Blvd.
• Staff continues to work with property and business owners directly affected by Phase 1.

Project Background

The redevelopment planning of the Glenwood area began in 2004 with the Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan, followed by the Franklin Boulevard Study, the adoption of the Glenwood Refinement Plan, and annexation of Franklin Blvd. into the City of Springfield. More information on the project background can be found at Project Background.

The City of Springfield has applied for a TIGER 7 Grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation for Franklin Boulevard construction. View the entire grant application in the Project Library. Grant awards will be announced Fall 2015.

The image below is a rendering of what Franklin Boulevard will look like after the project is completed from the intersection of South Franklin/McVay Hwy and Mississippi St looking to the west.

Click here to view as a pdf. file Franklin-McVay_Render_5-4-15

This week the City sent out the first of several e-updates about the project.  Please click HERE if you would like to receive regular e-updates on the project.  View a copy of the e-update:  e-update- Changes Planned for Franklin Boulevard in Glenwood 3-10-15

Recognizing the importance of communicating accurate information to the public, the City of Springfield mailed a postcard to all Glenwood addresses announcing the project and sharing ways to stay informed.

The City recently completed the required environmental analysis and amendment to the Glenwood Refinement Plan. In doing so, on 1-15-15 the City received the Notice to Proceed for the final design phase from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).  As a first step to the final design phase, surveyors will be working in the corridor during approximately the next six weeks. At times, the surveyors will need to survey on private property throughout the corridor as part of the final design phase. If you are a business or property owner and have questions please contact kkrueger@springfield-or.gov or 541-726-4584. The following letters were mailed to business and property owners after receiving the Notice to Proceed from ODOT.

BUSINESS_OWNER_outreach_letter

PROPERTY_OWNER_outreach_letter

On February 24, 2014, the Springfield City Council was provided an update on the project and agreed to move forward to meet with the Federal Highway Administration and begin public outreach. Below are the items presented to Council as part of the update.

• January 2014 Franklin Boulevard Conceptual Design (PDF) The Franklin Boulevard conceptual design includes roundabouts. To learn more about roundabouts view our Double Lane Roundabout Brochure or visit http://www.springfield-or.gov/dpw/Roundabouts.htm
• Franklin NEPA Update (PDF)
• Council Briefing Memo (PDF)
• Annotated Project History (PDF)
• October 21, 2013 Communication Packet Update Memo (PDF)