About
ODOT and the Deschutes National Forest are working on the early design for a new paved path for walking and biking. This path will go along U.S. 97, starting at the south end of Bend and ending at the Lava Lands Visitor Center.
The path will start at Knott Road and follow the east side of U.S. 97 to the High Desert Museum. Then, it will go under the highway through pedestrian tunnel. The path will continue on the west side of the highway to the Lava Lands Visitor Center.
Location
U.S. 97
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Baker/Knott Road intersection south of Bend to Lava Butte
Cost and Funding
This project was awarded planning, design and construction funds from the Federal Lands Access Program.
Estimated project cost through construction: $5,947,968.37.
Benefits
This project will make it safer and easier for people to use trails near the towns of Bend and Sunriver. The new path will connect popular places like the High Desert Museum, Lava Butte, Lava Lands Visitor Center, and the Deschutes River. It will also link to the Sun Lava Path, which connects Sunriver to the Lava Lands Visitor Center.
What Problem Will This Improve?
There are currently no safe ways for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel between Bend and Lava Butte. This trail will create new connections for bicyclists and pedestrians between these destinations.
Additional Information
ODOT and the U. S. Forest Service completed a study for the U.S. 97 multi-use trail alignment in winter 2020. It was determined that a path between Knott Road and the Forest Service boundary was the best option after considering user experience, private property impacts, and disturbed area.