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
Field work began in April 2020 and Federal Highway signed the NEPA document in August 2024. We do not currently have funding for additional design aspects or construction, however, we are seeking federal grants. When we get funding, the design process will take at least 18 months and construction will take about two years.
Meetings & Events
We held the first online open house on September 8 - 25, 2020. The materials and summary remain available for review.
We held the second online open house April 26 - May 9.
The materials and summary remain available for review.
Steering Committee
meeting summaries are available from the project manager upon request.
Location
OR 126
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from Huston Road to Terry Street
Cost and Funding
This project is funded by House Bill 2017, Keep Oregon Moving, with a budget of $3 million.
Access for pedestrians, including those with disabilities, will be available and identified through or around work zones.