Oregon DOT seeks public input on Eugene-Portland passenger-rail study

Starting tomorrow, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will host a series of meetings this month to solicit public input on preliminary rail route alternatives for the Oregon Passenger Rail project.

ODOT officials are studying ways to improve intercity passenger-rail service between the Eugene-Springfield and Portland-Vancouver, Wash., areas.

After a "robust public process" conducted earlier this year, the project's team developed preliminary alternatives for routes in the Willamette Valley. The alternatives have been evaluated to determine how they meet the project's goals and objectives, ODOT officials said in a press release.

Public comments gathered during the open houses and an online comment period will help the team determine which alternative should be selected to advance the projects, they said.

The open houses will be held Nov. 5, 6, 7, 12 and 14. Comments may be submitted online until Nov. 18.