After receiving a $30 million federal grant, the Oregon Department of Transportation will install what the organization deems “critical safety and infrastructure improvements” along a 1.9-mile segment of OR 126 west of Eugene.
Construction for the planned upgrades on OR 126 between Huston Road and Lake Side Drive in rural Lane County near Veneta and Elmira is expected to begin in 2026-2027.
Funding for the project was announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rural Surface Transportation Program on Friday.
ODOT said the project includes installing dual-lane roundabouts at Huston Road and Ellmaker Road, widening OR 126 from two to four lanes in the area, and creating safer spaces for walking and biking by widening the shoulders and installing a separated shared-use path.
An illustration shows the locations of two proposed roundabouts along Highway 126 west of Eugene.
“Highway 126 has been a significant safety concern for Veneta for over two decades,” Veneta Mayor Keith Wiess said. “This project will greatly enhance the safety and quality of life for our residents.”
While the project is still in its design phase, plans also include installing a left-turn lane at Lakeside Drive, improving railroad crossings at Huston Road and building a new transit stop to enhance mobility in the area.
Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@registerguard.com.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Florence-Eugene Highway OR 126 to get safety improvements