About
The tremendous population growth in Bend and central Oregonis increasing congestion on U.S. 97, causing disruptions in traffic flow, making traffic delays longer and increasing the number of severe and fatal accidents. Even with the economic downturn beginning in 2008, the population of Bend is still expected to grow and with this growth, traffic on U.S. 97 will increase over time.
The purpose of the U.S. 97 Bend North Corridor project is to identify and implement a long-term solution to maintain a safe, efficient U.S 97 in the north end of Bend. Because federal funding will be required for this project, ODOT and Federal Highway Administration prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement that examined, in detail, and compared the environmental and community impacts and benefits of two build alternatives (East DS1 Alternative and East DS2 Alternative) and the No Build Alternative.
After the public comment period that ended on September 12, 2011, ODOT and Federal Highway Administration considered all comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement to help identify the best solution (East DS2 Modified Alternative) for balancing our transportation needs now and into the future. ODOT and Federal Highway Administration worked with local agency partners to explore opportunities to scale down and modify the alternatives to reduce impacts, address public comments, and reduce the overall cost of the project.
Location
U.S. 97
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U.S. 97 corridor north of BendCost and Funding
The total funding for this project is 133.4 million dollars.
This project was awarded a federal INFRA Grant for 60.4 million dollars. These funds are being leveraged with 50 million dollars from the Cooley Mid-term Improvements Project (21229) in addition to various other local and developer funds.
What Problem Will This
Improve?
Why is this Project Needed?
U.S. 97 is highly congested during peak hours. Traffic flow is worsening, with drivers having to wait longer at signals. Travel delays on U.S. 97 are expected to worsen with future growth. Severe injury and fatal crashes are increasing on U.S. 97. The intersections of U.S. 97 at Robal Road and U.S. 97 at Cooley Road have more accidents than similar intersections in the state.
Like many residents of Bend and central Oregon, you probably rely on U.S. 97 in the north end of Bend for a variety of reasons. U.S. 97 in the north end of Bend serves many purposes to many commuters. That is part of the problem - we are asking the highway to be too many things.