Bailey Hill bridge of Amazon Creek getting seismic retrofit

The City is starting a critical infrastructure project in June to update the Bailey Hill Bridge over Amazon Creek so that it can withstand a major earthquake. Bailey Hill Road will be closed to through traffic between 18^th Avenue and 11^th Avenue from June 16 through the end of August. Local access will be permitted.

This bridge retrofit will ensure emergency services access to the West Eugene and Churchill neighborhoods in the event of a major seismic event. This outcome supports the City of Eugene Strategic Plan's goal of meeting urgent community needs, which includes proactively increasing Eugene's resilience to natural and human-caused emergencies.

"The Bailey Hill Bridge is a vital connection for the West Eugene and Churchill neighborhoods. In the event of a major earthquake, we need to be certain it remains standing" said Jordan Vesper, project manager and civil engineer for the City. "This retrofit isn't just about improving infrastructure, it's about making sure emergency responders can reach people when it matters most."

People traveling through the area should expect delays and detours. Although community members are advised to avoid the area when possible, there will be detours in place.

The closure between 18^th and 11^th avenues will detour automobile traffic to Oak Patch Road. Local access will remain available for destinations within the closure. People walking and biking will not be detoured.

The City does not close lanes or require detours unless absolutely necessary. If you encounter street construction in any part of the city, slow down, travel cautiously and follow signed routes.

Community members can stay informed about street construction in Eugene by visiting eugene-or.gov/traffic for weekly updates or by following @eugenetransportation on Facebook and Instagram.