About
This project will build an interchange at U.S. 97 and Lower Bridge Way, install speed lowering interventions, and enhance pedestrian safety.
The project aims to specifically address the following needs:
• Ensure connectivity and access for all users in Terrebonne
• Address U.S. 97/Lower Bridge Way safety for all road users
• Maintain U.S. 97 as a key freight corridor
Highway Improvements (ODOT):
• Construct a new full access diamond interchange with combined “dog bone” ramp terminals at U.S.97/Lower Bridge Way intersection.
• Provide pavement preservation along U.S. 97 between the U.S. 97/Lower Bridge Way interchange and chicane at south end of project.
• Install a northbound chicane on U.S. 97 at the intersection of 11th Street and a southbound chicane at U.S. 97/ Lower Bridge Way interchange.
• Upgrade or install new ADA curb ramps along U.S. 97 and along local streets.
• Install a new enhanced pedestrian crossing on U.S. 97 at Central Ave and upgrade the existing crossing at U.S. 97 and B Ave.
• Install left turn lanes at a new intersection opposite the Alpaca farm access.
• Upgrade and install signing and striping along all roadways.
• Install illumination in the vicinity of the new U.S. 97/Lower Bridge Way interchange.
Local Roadway Improvements (Deschutes County):
• Reconstruct 11th Street from new interchange to Central Ave. with 11' travel lanes and 5' shoulders.
• Reconstruct 11th Street from Central Ave. south to U.S. 97 with 11' travel lanes, 5' shoulder/bike lanes, curb tight sidewalks, ADA curb ramps at all intersections, and on-street parking along west side of street within available right of way.
• Widen Smith Rock Way from 11th Street to the Terrebonne Depot access with 11’ travel lanes, 5’ shoulder/bike lanes, and right of way tight sidewalks.
• Install transit stop on Central Ave. in conjunction with enhance pedestrian crossing at U.S. 97 and Central Ave.
• Upgrade and install signing and striping along all roadways.
• Install dry sewer lines within designated County roadways including 11th Street, B Ave., C Ave, Central Ave. and Smith Rock Way.
Location
U.S. 97
|
U.S. 97- north of Lower Bridge Way to NW Odem Avenue
Cost and Funding
Total cost for both the Lower Bridge Way overcrossing and an improvement through Terrebonne is estimated at $39 million. Funding has been identified through House Bill 2017 and local partnerships.
Contractor
High Desert Aggregate & Paving, LLC
What Problem Will This Improve?
Like most Oregon cities, the Terrebonne community in Deschutes County is bisected by a state highway-- in this case U.S. 97. As U.S. 97 highway traffic volumes have significantly increased in the last 10+ years, it has become very difficult for side street traffic to enter or cross the highway, or for pedestrians to cross. A critical concern for Terrebonne residents is providing safe crossings and access to/from U.S. 97, particularly for school children at B and C Avenues.
The Lower Bridge Way/U.S. 97 intersection, on the north end of Terrebonne, is a primary example of the safety and operational concerns being experienced in the area, notably as it represents a key U.S. 97 access point for residents of the Crooked River Ranch residents in Jefferson County. Lower Bridge Way between U.S. 97 and 43rd Street is one of the highest volume roads in Deschutes County, given travel to and from Crooked River Ranch community.
The intersection with U.S. 97 has been an ongoing concern over the years due to the high speed and volume of traffic on U.S. 97, and the attendant difficulty of making turning moves onto or from Lower Bridge Way.
Additional Information
rendering of "dog bone" concept design
Project concept refinement introduced Jan. 24, 2022
New 'dog bone' interchange concept
In response to feedback gathered previously through various stakeholder engagements, ODOT's project design team developed a modified interchange concept that utilizes this “dog bone" configuration. The advantages of this design include reducing the right-of-way footprint of the project as well as its impact on adjacent residences while maintaining the same traffic movements as traditional interchanges. This concept also eliminates the need for traffic signals at this location in the future. Other project features announced previously, including an enhanced pedestrian crossing over U.S. 97, speed reduction elements, and improvements to 11th Street and Smith Rock Way are unaffected in this concept update. Taken together, these refinements will improve safety and lower project costs without affecting the project timeline, which is still on track to begin construction in late 2023.