About
The project will realign one of the most congested portions of US 97 in the City of Bend and improve a section of US 20. The US 97 Bend North Corridor project includes a realignment of US 97, improved intersections, new ramps connections at critical locations to improve local and highway traffic, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
U.S. 97 is the main north-south highway through the central portion of Oregon connecting Oregon to California and Washington. In the Bend area, U.S. 97 is the primary route for local residents to commute through town and is a connection to area shopping, dining, businesses, schools and recreation. Central Oregon's population growth over the last decade has increased traffic congestion and, in turn, reduced safety for motor vehicles, pedestrian and bicyclists.
These improvements will do the following:
- Aid with congestion
- Support economic vitality
- Reduce traffic volume and speeds at high conflict locations
- Increase freight mobility
- Improve travel time reliability
Project History
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 is being used for this project, ODOT completed an Environmental Impact Statement in 2014 to help identify the best solution (East DS2 Modified Alternative) for balancing transportation needs. 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. This project was shelved after 2014 as funding was identified for the project.
For more history about this project and information about the U.S. 97 Bend North Corridor Environmental Impact Statement Process project page.
Location
U.S. 97
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The north city limits of the City of Bend between Empire Avenue and Bowery Lane
Cost and Funding
The total funding for this project is $133.4 million.
This project was awarded a federal INFRA Grant for $60.4 million in 2019. These funds are being leveraged with $50 million from the Cooley Mid-term Improvements Project, funded from highway bond proceeds associated with
Oregon House Bill 2017 (Keep Oregon Moving), in addition to various other city, county and developer contributions.