Completion of the Empire Corridor Improvements Project in Northeast Bend greatly improves safety, accessibility, transportation options and connectivity.

The recent opening of the Butler Market Road and Purcell Boulevard roundabout and improvements to Purcell Boulevard south of the canal marks the completion of a multi-year project to improve transportation options and connections to neighborhoods and businesses in northeast Bend. The full project provided an extension to Empire Avenue, delivered three new roundabouts, and improved pedestrian, accessibility and bike safety features to expand connectivity.

• Find fun facts in the EMPIRE PROJECT INFOGRAPHIC 

PROJECT IMPROVEMENTS

Phase 1 of this project is now complete.  Phase 2 of the project was constructed in four separate segments, as detailed below and is also complete! 

PROJECT SCHEDULE

Phase 1 of this project is complete!

1. Empire/Purcell Roundabout
2. Empire Avenue Modernization (18^th to Purcell)
3. Purcell Boulevard Modernization (Rock Park Drive to Canal right-of-way)

Phase 2 of this project is complete!

Segments 1, 2, and 3:  Construction of the Empire Extension, widening of the Purcell bridge, and the construction of a new roundabout at 27^th Street/Butler Market Road/Empire Avenue is complete!

Segment 4: Construction of the modernization of Purcell between the NUID canal and Butler Market Road, and also the construction of a new roundabout at Purcell Boulevard and Butler Market Road.  Construction planned to begin in February 2021.

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PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Empire Corridor Improvements projects have long been a priority transportation system improvement for the City of Bend but have not been completed yet due to previous funding limitations.

Empire Avenue itself is classified as a Major Arterial roadway in the City’s Transportation System Plan (TSP) and is planned to serve as the major east-west arterial roadway on the north end of Bend. Currently, Empire Avenue ends at Purcell Boulevard and does not extend to 27th Street.

The Empire Corridor Improvements Project include the following:

•  Empire / Purcell Roundabout
•  Empire Ave. Modernization (18th to Purcell)
•  Purcell Blvd. Modernization (Empire to Butler Mkt.)
•  Empire Ave. Extension (Purcell to Butler Mkt/27th)
•  Purcell Blvd. / Butler Mkt. Signal and Intersection Modernization
•  Empire Ave. / 27th / Butler Mkt. Roundabout

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