Be Safe Driving School

Keeping tabs on pedestrian safety at 17th/Patterson


Eugene Police Traffic Safety Unit will be conducting a special pedestrian safety operation at 17th and Patterson Street, staffing TSU officers from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6.

The Traffic Safety Unit uses a decoy “pedestrian” to walk back and forth at the intersection within the marked crosswalk. Traffic cones are set near the intersection as a marker set to allow vehicles ample time and distance to perceive and react to the pedestrian in the crosswalk.

The Eugene Police Traffic Safety Unit would like to remind all roadway users to be extra careful in areas known to be occupied by high volumes of pedestrians.

Drivers must be aware of pedestrian laws and what they are required to do in response to the presence of pedestrians, taking extra precautions in areas dense with pedestrians.

Pedestrians must be vigilant and be responsible in their own part of personal safety while crossing a roadway.

Under Oregon law both drivers and pedestrians must act with “due regard.” In short, just because someone has the right-of-way, doesn’t mean they can act in a manner that could have a negative outcome or get themselves or another hurt.

Plan ahead for road closures this Sunday.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Eugene Marathon This Sunday – Plan for street closures and detours.
The Eugene Marathon is this Sunday, April 26, between 6 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and part of the course runs through Springfield. Expect street closures, detours, and no-parking zones in the Glenwood area, Downtown, and West D Street starting at 4 a.m. and lasting until noon.

While participants and spectators gear up for race day, our Operations Division is preparing the route so everything runs smoothly. From placing street barriers and signs to coordinating road closures, a lot of behind-the-scenes work goes into making the event feel seamless. If possible, avoid these areas during these times. If you do travel in these areas, please follow all traffic control signs and be patient.

🗺️ Check out the full traffic impact map and plan ahead using the link below.
https://springfield-or.gov/2026-eugene-marathon-traffic-detour/