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Transportation News
Full Closure Coming to NE Purcell Blvd and NE Butler Market Beginning Monday, May 3rd -September
- The intersection at NE Purcell Blvd and NE Butler Market Road will be closed for roundabout construction beginning Monday, May 3rd.
- There will be no access allowed for vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians during construction.
- Modernization of NE Purcell Blvd between NE Butler Market Road and the NUID canal (May 3rd-September).
- This section of roadway will be open to local traffic only.
- Detours in place during construction.
- Construction is dependent on weather and other factors.
- A new power vault and utility pole are being constructed within the City right of way at the intersection of Purser and NE Purcell Blvd.
- Additional utility improvements are also being built in and near the construction zone.
- Disturbed City right of way will be restored as near to its previous condition as possible.
Speed Radar Results
https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/streets/neighborhood-street-safety-program/speed-radar-program
City of Bend Snow and Ice Plans
Winter is on the way, and everyone is getting ready. The City has a plan for maintaining streets, and a winter tips website to help individuals know what to expect.
During winter snow operations, the City’s Streets & Operations Division prioritizes the highest-use streets that accommodate the most drivers and access hospitals, major employment areas, schools and transit routes. Priority routes receive de-icing, sanding, and plowing first. Get plowing information and maps here.
During the occasional extreme storms, it may be necessary to stay focused on clearing priority routes, which could mean postponing lower priority routes until the priority routes are safe and open to traffic. Lower-use streets—the local residential streets—are a lower priority. Alleys are not considered priorities.
Winter weather in Bend can range from inches to feet of snow, and conditions can vary widely in different areas of town. The City plans budgets and resources for the average winter, and adjusts operations for the occasional extreme storms, which can be challenging for everyone.
The City maintains 865 lane miles with two daily work shifts, 17 snow plow operators per shift and 24 pieces of equipment, from light-duty pickups to medium-duty dump trucks to heavy-duty (two motor graders) with plows.
To determine what operations are needed for any given storm, the Streets & Operations Division Manager considers many factors – snow accumulation, moisture content, presence of sleet, freezing rain or hail, temperatures and forecasts. One decision is whether to call in contractors to help. Contractors are typically called to help plow local residential roads during the occasional extreme storm events. Streets crews support and collaborate with Police and Fire to provide access for emergency services.
Go to bendoregon.gov/winter-operations to find plowing and sanding zone maps, Frequently Asked Questions and much more.Winter Preparation for everyone!
Everyone has a responsibility to prepare for winter and there is more to think about than just the roads. That means getting resources and supplies lined up before the big storm hits. The City has a one-stop website for a lot of winter preparation tips. Learn what to expect and get information about street plowing, sidewalk shoveling and protecting your pipes and home and more, at bendoregon.gov/winter. Worried about driving in the snow? Be sure to peek at the Oregon Department of Transportation’s helpful winter driving guide.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact Anne Aurand at 541-388-5573 oraaurand@bendoregon.gov.
Wells Acres Pedestrian Islands and School Zone Signs to be Completed
Construction is nearly complete on the pedestrian safe zones on the north side of Mountain View High School on Wells Acres Road. Speed limit signs and painting are being scheduled for installation.
City Transportation Meetings
The city will be holding virtual transportation meetings that can be accessed here: https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/citizen-committees/citywide-transportation-advisory-committee.
Bend’s New Transportation System Plan Adopted by City Council
This evening, the City Council adopted (with a first reading) Bend’s new Transportation System Plan (TSP), which addresses current community concerns of improving traffic flow and safety in Bend. The TSP is the City’s vision and guide for transportation improvements that will contribute to an economically vital, healthy and equitable community over the next 20 years.
Bend’s new TSP, last updated in 2001, is the result of over two years of research and public involvement led by the Citywide Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), a 21-member committee of Council-appointed community members who represented a wide array of values. The plan considers transportation priorities for those who drive, bike and walk around Bend.
“This new TSP is a great foundation for protecting Bend's quality of life and environment as we grow. It will be an important step forward towards ensuring the safety of all users and improving travel routes for people, goods and services across our community," said Mike Riley, Co-Chair of CTAC and Executive Director of The Environmental Center.
The TSP is a guiding document for the transportation element of Bend’s Comprehensive Plan. It provides a flexible, adaptable framework for making transportation decisions in an increasingly unpredictable and financially constrained future. One of the primary deliverables of the TSP is a list of 116 transportation investment opportunities known as the 2040 Project List. The projects on this list address concerns noted by the community such as more complete systems for bicycling and walking, better traffic flow for those moving across town, and increased neighborhood street safety.
“This transportation plan was an inclusive effort that reflects the many perspectives and needs from across our community on the connectivity and livability of Bend’s future,” said Katy Brooks, CTAC member and CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce.
These projects were prioritized for the near-term (1-10 years), mid-term (11-15 years), and long-term (16-20 years) to help guide CTAC on identifying future funding and a plan for implementation.
One of the recommended funding mechanisms for the TSP is a General Obligation (GO) Bond, which Council also agreed to put on the November 3, 2020, General Election ballot.
Bend’s new TSP, last updated in 2001, is the result of over two years of research and public involvement led by the Citywide Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), a 21-member committee of Council-appointed community members who represented a wide array of values. The plan considers transportation priorities for those who drive, bike and walk around Bend.
“This new TSP is a great foundation for protecting Bend's quality of life and environment as we grow. It will be an important step forward towards ensuring the safety of all users and improving travel routes for people, goods and services across our community," said Mike Riley, Co-Chair of CTAC and Executive Director of The Environmental Center.
The TSP is a guiding document for the transportation element of Bend’s Comprehensive Plan. It provides a flexible, adaptable framework for making transportation decisions in an increasingly unpredictable and financially constrained future. One of the primary deliverables of the TSP is a list of 116 transportation investment opportunities known as the 2040 Project List. The projects on this list address concerns noted by the community such as more complete systems for bicycling and walking, better traffic flow for those moving across town, and increased neighborhood street safety.
“This transportation plan was an inclusive effort that reflects the many perspectives and needs from across our community on the connectivity and livability of Bend’s future,” said Katy Brooks, CTAC member and CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce.
These projects were prioritized for the near-term (1-10 years), mid-term (11-15 years), and long-term (16-20 years) to help guide CTAC on identifying future funding and a plan for implementation.
One of the recommended funding mechanisms for the TSP is a General Obligation (GO) Bond, which Council also agreed to put on the November 3, 2020, General Election ballot.
Empire Extension Update and Local Traffic Alterations
All three roundabouts on Butler Market Road are now open! Cole Road running through the Petrosa Master Plan development remains closed.
Street preservation plans for 2020
The City is about to kick off a season of street preservation work all over town. Some paving will start this month, earlier than planned, due to changing circumstances around the state
The City Council authorized about $3.2 million for street preservation work in Bend this summer to improve about 77 lane miles of Bend’s roads. This includes inlay/overlay, chip seal, and slurry seal treatments.
The City’s “Keep Good Roads Good” philosophy means we maintain and preserve streets with the most cost-effective treatment for the road condition — the right treatment at the right time. Maintenance treatments include:
· Inlays and Overlays – Old asphalt is ground out and replaced or a new layer of asphalt is paved on top of existing roadway. The process can take a couple of days.
· Slurry – A treatment for low-volume residential streets. One-day closures typically expected.
· Chip seals – Hot oil and rock are applied to the road. Rolling, short term closures expected
The City is about to kick off a season of street preservation work all over town. Some paving will start this month, earlier than planned, due to changing circumstances around the state
The City Council authorized about $3.2 million for street preservation work in Bend this summer to improve about 77 lane miles of Bend’s roads. This includes inlay/overlay, chip seal, and slurry seal treatments.
The City’s “Keep Good Roads Good” philosophy means we maintain and preserve streets with the most cost-effective treatment for the road condition — the right treatment at the right time. Maintenance treatments include:
· Inlays and Overlays – Old asphalt is ground out and replaced or a new layer of asphalt is paved on top of existing roadway. The process can take a couple of days.
· Slurry – A treatment for low-volume residential streets. One-day closures typically expected.
· Chip seals – Hot oil and rock are applied to the road. Rolling, short term closures expected
