Beltline underwent initial construction, expansion and maintenance in the ’60s and ’70s before control was transferred to the state in 1978. The length of several Beltline on-ramp merge lanes has remained unchanged for the last 45 years. Long ago, highway engineers figured out the exact distance required for each on-ramp merge lane, some fit for traffic at the time, some with plenty of space to support future city and traffic volume growth. Many on-ramp merge lanes are now too short. And that is the case when used properly: During heavy traffic, you must travel in the merge lane until the very end of the merge lane, then, match speed with the traffic in your target lane, then zipper merge at the end of the merge lane, alternating cars. Many drivers merge far too early, halfway through the dashed line, or even crossing solid lines, before the dashed line starts.
We can start using this road correctly today. Please remember to use the whole lane, drive to the end of the merge lane, then zipper in, and we’ll all get to our destinations much more quickly and safely.
Daniel Pearson
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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