Why would a temporary closure be helpful in the event of a fire?

    According to the Fire Marshal these gates provide essential flexibility to isolate this road section, a critical consideration when addressing community safety during an emergency.

    Will temporary closure limit access out of the Laurel Hill neighborhood during a fire evacuation?

    If the route is deemed safe and needed during an evacuation, the gates would remain open.

    Who will determine when the gates are to be temporarily closed?

    The Eugene Springfield Fire Marshal’s office will make the decision during a fire event or when fire precautionary levels are high.

    The Director of Eugene Parks & Open Space will determine when or if closures are needed for other, non-fire safety related reasons and coordinate with Fire Marshal’s office.

    How will closure notifications be done?

    During fire emergencies, public service announcements are distributed through multiple media outlets. For special event closures, signs would be posted in advance in front of both gates, and during events additional signage would be placed at the junction of Capitol and Fairmount.