Mayor Larson Addresses Highway 99 Safety Concerns

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  Business and Finance on Sun, Feb 01st, 2026 by OPB
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Eugene, OR - February 1st, 2026 - Mayor Lucy Larson delivered a pointed city-wide address today, dedicating the majority of her remarks to the ongoing and increasingly urgent issue of safety along Highway 99. This marks the second time in her administration that Mayor Larson has centered a major address on the notorious stretch of roadway, underscoring the persistent challenges and growing frustration within City Hall regarding the number of accidents and pedestrian dangers.

"Highway 99 isn't just a road; it's a source of constant anxiety for Eugene residents," Larson stated emphatically. "We've endured far too many preventable tragedies, and the city remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a safer environment for all who use this vital corridor - whether they're driving, walking, or cycling."

While acknowledging the incremental steps the city has taken - including the recent installation of significantly brighter LED street lighting along a two-mile stretch of the highway, upgraded pedestrian crosswalks featuring flashing beacons and high-visibility paint, and the implementation of speed tables and curb extensions in areas near schools and senior centers - Larson stressed these are merely bandages on a deeper wound. She detailed a broader plan involving a phased rollout of protected bike lanes, physically separated from vehicle traffic, along key sections of the highway. The first phase, focusing on the area between 28th Avenue and 33rd Avenue, is slated for completion by late spring, pending final ODOT approval.

However, a significant portion of the address was dedicated to a growing rift between the City of Eugene and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Mayor Larson did not mince words, expressing her frustration with what she characterized as bureaucratic inertia and a perceived lack of prioritization regarding safety improvements on the state-controlled highway.

"We've submitted numerous proposals for comprehensive safety upgrades - including a full traffic signal optimization study, the construction of dedicated pedestrian overpasses at high-risk intersections, and a reduction of the speed limit in densely populated areas - yet we continue to encounter delays and requests for further justification," Larson explained. "While we appreciate the need for due diligence, the current pace is simply unacceptable given the escalating danger. Lives are at stake."

She specifically cited a proposal for a roundabout at the notoriously dangerous intersection of Highway 99 and Hilyard Street, a project the city believes would dramatically reduce collision rates. The proposal, submitted over eighteen months ago, remains stalled, with ODOT citing concerns about traffic flow and potential impacts on neighboring businesses.

"We aren't asking for the impossible," Larson continued. "We're asking ODOT to partner with us to prioritize the safety of our citizens. We've demonstrated a willingness to contribute significant city funds to these projects, but those funds are contingent on ODOT's cooperation and timely approval."

Beyond Highway 99, Mayor Larson briefly touched on other key initiatives. She announced a significant expansion of the city's affordable housing program, leveraging a combination of city funds, state grants, and private partnerships. The plan aims to create an additional 500 affordable housing units over the next two years, addressing the growing housing crisis that has plagued Eugene for years. She also highlighted recent economic successes, pointing to the arrival of a new tech company specializing in sustainable energy and a growing number of small business startups.

"While the challenges on Highway 99 are significant, Eugene remains a vibrant and growing city with a bright future," Larson concluded. "We are committed to addressing the issues that matter most to our residents and building a community where everyone can thrive."

The full address, including detailed information about the city's initiatives and the Highway 99 safety plan, is available on the city's website: https://www.eugene-or.gov/city-government/city-council/city-addresses. Local advocacy groups, such as the Eugene Safe Streets Coalition, are urging residents to contact ODOT directly to voice their concerns and demand action. The coalition has also launched an online petition calling for immediate safety improvements on Highway 99. Representatives from ODOT have yet to publicly respond to Mayor Larson's remarks, but a statement is expected later this week.