The US 97 Bend North Corridor project is being conducted by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The purpose is to reduce traffic congestion, improve traffic flow and improve public safety on the segment of US 97 between the Deschutes Market Road/Tumalo Junction interchange and the Bend Parkway/Empire Avenue interchange. The project will include development of an environmental impact statement (EIS) to document how alternative solutions would impact the community and environment.
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In response to public and stakeholder concerns about the size and cost of the project, ODOT developed down-scaled (lower cost) alternatives. These down-scaled alternatives are smaller-sized solutions with simpler design elements to reduce congestion, and improve traffic flow and safety in the study area. ODOT is also considering revising the project’s purpose and need statement to incorporate cost-efficiency as a project requirement.
ODOT made a recommendation in February 2010 to forward two of the down-scaled alternatives (East DS1 Alternative and East DS2 Alternative), along with the required No Build Alternative, for detailed study and comparison in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The project’s Citizen Advisory Committee, Agency Coordination Committee, and the Steering Team generally agreed with ODOT’s recommendation.
ODOT and the project team are now conducting detailed environmental studies to identify the impacts and benefits of the East DS1, East DS2, and No Build alternatives. The results of all the studies will be summarized in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will be made available to the public. The Draft EIS is expected to be released in early 2011. At that time, ODOT will announce the availability of the Draft EIS through the Federal Register, on this website, and through the media and project mailing list.
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Read more about the Alternatives Development Phase and Screening phase of the project »
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US 97 is highly congested during
peak hours.
Traffic flow is worsening, with drivers having to wait longer at signals.
Travel delays on US 97 are expected to worsen with future growth.
The accident rate on US 97
is increasing.
The intersections of US 97 at Robal Road and US 97 at Cooley Road have more accidents than other similar intersections in the state.
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