About
Beginning in 2021, ODOT will begin construction to extend the forested, median- divided cross section of US 97 three miles south of the South Century Interchange to just past Vandevert Road (MP153.12 to MP 156.05). The new highway will tie into approximately 15 miles of recently constructed widening, interchange and median barrier improvements on US 97 to the north, making this stretch of highway safer for all users.
This project will be divided into phases given currently funding available. Phase 1 of the project will include:
- Expanding U.S. 97 to extend the four-lane divided highway from South Century Drive (MP 153) to just past Vandevert Road.
- Improve the intersection of U.S. 97 and Vandevert Road/Lambertiana Road. The existing intersection configuration will be converted to a two-stage left turn crossing at Vandevert Road and Lambertiana will become right-in/right-out.
- Upgrade signs and guardrails, as necessary, and install rumble strips and durable striping.
- Construct wildlife migration improvements to protect wildlife and improve motorist safety.
Phase 2 of the project will construct an additional three miles of divided highway in addition to other wildlife migration improvements. Funding for Phase 2 has not yet been identified.
Location
U.S. 97
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South of Bend from the Sunriver Interchange to the Forest Service boundary six miles to the south
Cost and Funding
Phase 1 costs
Design - $1 million
Construction - $13 million
Estimated project total cost - $25 million. Funding for Phase 2 of the project has not yet been identified.
Contractor
High Desert Aggregate and Paving
Benefits
- Develop a solution to increase the capacity of U.S. 97:
- Reducing congestion
- Maintaining free flow speeds
- Improving travel time reliability
- Increasing overall roadway safety throughout this highway corridor
- Develop crossing improvements to decrease vehicle/animal collisions and allow safer wildlife migration through the area
- Develop solutions that have the support of the many stakeholders that use this section of U.S. 97
What Problem Will This Improve?
U.S. 97 is the main north-south transportation corridor through Central Oregon and a critical part of the state’s transportation system. Demand continues to increase along U.S. 97. Safety is a concern due to limited passing opportunities, which cause lengthy following times that sometimes resulting in drivers making passing maneuvers with high speeds and limited sight distances.