For More Information Contact:
Julianne Repman, ODOT Public Information, 541-388-6224
Heidi Hiaasen, ODOT Project Communications, 541-388-6178
Bend: US 20 at Erickson/US 20 at Torkelson
Public to provide input on future of local road connection to US 20
Deschutes County and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) invite the public to an open house to learn about, and provide input on, a proposed project to increase motorist safety on US 20 through the closure of the highway intersection with Erickson and Torkelson Roads. The meeting will take place on Thursday, Jan. 26, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Christian Life Center, located at 21720 E US 20 in Bend.
“The purpose of the open house is to discuss a proposed plan to address very significant safety issues at this location by managing access to the highway,” said ODOT Project Leader, Rick Williams. “There were nine reported crashes at this intersection between 1996 and 2000. One of the crashes during that time resulted in a double fatality.”
ODOT traffic engineers are looking for comments from local residents and property owners about how best to address improved safety in this area while minimizing out of direction travel for local residents, property owners, emergency service providers and school buses.
This proposed access change is part of ODOT’s US 20: Hampton to Glass Butte improvement project. The project includes improving the highway surface between mile points 62 – 75 on US 20 and increasing motorist safety at US 20 and Torkelson and US 20 and Erickson Roads.
Construction for this project is expected to begin as early as summer 2007. The estimated project budget is $6.9 million.
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