The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has signed contracts with three Oregon artists for design enhancements to be installed adjacent to Interstate 5, north and south of the new Willamette River bridges by summer 2014. Three of these enhancements will be done around student-populated areas, such as around Autzen and the Valley River Center.
Installation of the enhancements include “River” by Lillian Pitt team, “Camas Basket” by Rhiza A + D and “Blue Camas Basket” by Devin Laurence Field.@@checked@@
ODOT is working with local stakeholders to ensure the new Willamette River Bridge and its surroundings reflect community values. Construction of both portions of both parks on the north bank of the river is disrupting many bike paths, in addition to expected impact on I-5 and Franklin Boulevard.
“We are already diverting the traffic, and we want to take advantage of those closures. There won’t be any additional impacts to students or any other members of the community during the installation,” ODOT District 2 manager Sonny Chickering said.@@checked@@ “Some of the university students will have more exposure to these design enhancements than any other parts of the community.”
Part of the funding for the I-5 Willamette River Bridge comes from the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, requiring ODOT to build a bridge that is functional and visually pleasing.
“Hopefully, the students will be able to enjoy the site for many years to come,” Chickering said.
Next Friday, Sept. 29, there will be a community advisory group meeting on further changes on the I-5 design enhancements. enhancements.