Columbia Roundabout Improvements Project - COMPLETE

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Columbia Street & Colorado Avenue

An aerial photo of the Columbia St & Simpson Ave intersection.
Columbia Street & Simpson Avenue

This project will construct roundabouts at the intersections of SW Colorado Avenue & SW Columbia Street and SW Simpson Avenue & SW Columbia Street.

PROJECT SCHEDULE
& MILESTONES

PROJECT UPDATES

This project will construct roundabouts at the intersections of SW Colorado Avenue & SW Columbia Street and SW Simpson Avenue & SW Columbia Street. The present configuration of these stop-controlled intersections presents a safety hazard to the traveling public. Crashes are reported at each intersection and the City Fire Station is located 500 feet west of SW Columbia Street and SW Simpson Ave.

The City intends to collaborate with OSU Cascades and the Bend Park and Recreation District (BPRD) to fund the design and construction of both roundabouts concurrently. A map depicting the locations of the two new roundabouts at the intersections of SW Simpson Avenue & SW Columbia Street and SW Colorado Avenue & SW Columbia Street.

A map depicting the locations of the two new roundabouts at the intersections of SW Simpson Avenue & SW Columbia Street and SW Colorado Avenue & SW Columbia Street.

PROJECT GOALS

Improve safety, efficiency, and reliability at the following intersections:

SW Colorado Avenue & SW Columbia Street
SW Simpson Avenue & SW Columbia Street

PROJECT SCHEDULE & MILESTONES

Design

Design - Complete

Construction

Colorado Ave. & Columbia St. Roundabout Completed
Mid-May - August 2021
- Full intersection closure with fire & EMS access at Simpson Ave. & Colorado Ave.

DETOUR INFORMATION

Simpson Avenue & Columbia Street Closure

PROJECT UPDATES

Archived News

No results found.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Will there be access impacts to bus routes?
The project team has long working relationships with Cascades East Transit and the Bend-LaPine School District, including recent coordination on the nearby 14th Street corridor improvements project. Continuous communication will be required to ensure uninterrupted services and possible temporary relocation of bus stops of these entities.
What about Emergency Services, considering the proximity to the Bend Fire Department?
Similar to the coordination with the transit services, the project team has already been in touch with Bend Fire Department (BFD) operations. Constant communications with BFD will include updates on construction activities and planned routing through the construction sites. Communications with BFD is paramount to providing routing options for EMS.
Will I still be able to access the Old Mill District and other west side businesses from this area?
Special business access signage to all nearby businesses will be included along the detour corridors for motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians alike.

A meeting with Old Mill District ownership has helped the project team understand the importance of access to the Old Mill District and constant access to SW Shevlin Hixon Drive during the construction of the Colorado/Columbia roundabout. The sequencing of construction, beginning with the Colorado project, was also partially driven by the upcoming summer schedule of events, including concerts, at the amphitheater. Keeping Shevlin Hixon Drive open is also a high priority to the Bend Fire Department.
What about bicycles and pedestrians? Will they still be able to maneuver through the construction zones?
Bicycle and pedestrian traffic was considered during the preparation of the traffic control plans (detours). Bicycles will be directed onto local city streets. Sidewalks are constructed along all detour routes. Signage will alert bicyclists and pedestrians to road closures ahead of conflicts with construction.