Construction has begun over Amazon Creek in plans for a cyclist and pedestrian bridge. The $100 million project is called the Eugene EmX project. The bridge will provide a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians that go through different neighborhoods that are located south of the creek all the way to W 11th Ave. The bridge is 90 feet long connects bicycles and pedestrians to a bus stop and W 11th Ave.
A faster and more frequently passing variety of buses will be available for use next year. The construction for the 4 ½ mile route for this bus started three years ago between downtown and Randy Pape Beltline which is intersected with W 11th Ave. These buses will give cyclists the option to walk on to the bus with their bikes and have them parked on the inside. This rapid bus is scheduled for September 2017.
The bridge is scheduled to finish spring 2017. One bridge has already been finished and installed at Acorn Park. Another bridge is scheduled to be built as a part of the project but the location and dates are not known. This bridge will serve the residents who live in neighborhoods that are located south of the creek and will be useful for people who shop and work on W 11th Ave.
A $2.9 million state grant covers the cost of the bridges. Each bridge weighs about, if no more than 42,000 lbs which is about 21 tons. The bridges will also be the same width which is 14 ft wide, with the same arch design and grey paint. A company in Minnesota is responsible for building the structure.