The US 97 Bend North Corridor project is being conducted by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The purpose is to reduce traffic congestion, improve traffic flow and improve public safety on the segment of US 97 between the Deschutes Market Road/Tumalo Junction interchange and the Bend Parkway/Empire Avenue interchange. The project will include development of an environmental impact statement (EIS) to document how alternative solutions would impact the community and environment.
» Read more and view the project timeline
After the June open house, ODOT recommended dropping West B from further study. West B can be considered an early construction stage of West A. This summer, ODOT has identified the trade-offs of West A, Existing A, and East A, and presented those trade-offs to various community groups. ODOT has met with the following groups since the June open house: neighborhood associations, businesses, emergency service providers, the project’s Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) and the project’s Steering Team.
On September 10th the CAC recommended dropping Existing A and advancing West A and East A. On September 23rd, the project Steering Team of elected and appointed officials agreed with this recommendation. ODOT is doing additional study on West A as recommended by the CAC and Steering Team. The results were presented at the October 14th Steering Team meeting and at the October 22nd open house.
» Read more about the Alternatives Development and Screening process
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US 97 is highly congested during
peak hours.
Traffic flow is worsening, with drivers having to wait longer at signals.
Travel delays on US 97 are expected to worsen with future growth.
The accident rate on US 97
is increasing.
The intersections of US 97 at Robal Road and US 97 at Cooley Road have more accidents than other similar intersections in the state.
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