Bend North Corridor

Blasting on U.S. 97 will briefly impact traffic this week

The blast scheduled for this weekend along U.S. 97 in Bend for the Bend North Corridor project has been rescheduled to the evening of Tuesday April 30. Bend North Corridor crews will complete the sixth and most likely final blast of hard basalt along U.S. 97 near Empire Avenue. The highway will be closed for up to 15 minutes between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

This brief highway closure allows for a clear zone around the blasting sites. If you travel this route Tuesday evening, plan ahead and give yourself extra time. Be prepared to stop and give crews space. If you want to avoid delays, consider an alternate route. 

All work is dependent on weather conditions, and schedules are subject to change. Visit the Bend North Corridor website for more detailed information.

Construction reminders

Northbound traffic on U.S. 97 has been temporarily moved to the newly built U.S. 97 parkway on-ramp at Cooley Road. Vehicles along this route will travel on the newly built U.S. 97 on-ramp and tie back into the existing highway just north of Grandview Avenue. This will remain until all new northbound travel lanes are complete in July and is not expected to affect travel time for commuters.  

The existing northbound U.S. 97 on-ramp at Empire Avenue has been closed and access has temporarily moved to the newly built U.S. 97 parkway. Vehicles along this route will travel on the newly built U.S. 97 parkway to Robal lane, where they will reconnect with the existing highway at the stoplight. Travelers should expect congestion and are advised to take a different route when possible.

Travelers may encounter single lane nighttime closures on U.S. 97 from Empire Avenue to Grandview Drive between milepost 133.6 and milepost 135.8 for traffic control maintenance.

Use Caution in the Work Zone

Pay attention in the work zone, slow down and move over – imagine this is where you work! Always drive safely, watch for construction signs and workers. Remember that fines double in all Oregon work zones, whether workers and signs are present or not.

For 24/7 road conditions and traffic alerts visit tripcheck.com or call 5-1-1. For questions about this project contact Meghan Blyth, community affairs coordinator, 541-316-3941.

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