Project Status
Estimated Completion
Design to be complete in 2026Contact
Aune Safety and Connectivity
A 2020 Transportation GO Bond Project.
Thank you, voters!
Project Description
This area is at the geographical heart of Bend but is missing critical east-west connectivity for all travel options between 3rd Street and Bond Street. By making complete street connections it will be easier and safer to drive, and less stressful to walk and bike, so we can help connect the Old Mill District to East Bend.
Why are we doing this?
This area has seen increasing traffic from drivers accessing the Parkway and people traveling to nearby housing, businesses, the high school, and recreation sites. There is more mixed-use development coming soon to this area so having complete, safe streets available to travel by bike, walking or car is critical.
This project is part of the City of Bend’s continuing work to improve safety, connectivity and access for people walking, biking and driving as our community grows. With these goals in mind, the City is exploring different ways to improve several intersections and streets at the southern end of Bend’s Core Area.
If approved, these upgrades will:
Reduce vehicle conflict points
Enhance accessibility for all users of the existing Aune Street undercrossing to support east-west connectivity
Connect this area to the existing grid of walkable streets
Add crosswalks for pedestrians and cyclists
Identify and improve key routes for cyclists and pedestrians
Exploring connectivity and safety needs through design options for the following intersections:
- Miller Avenue and Third Street
- Aune Street and Scott Street
- Third Street and Burnside Avenue
Depending on the needs we identify, the designs could include:
- Crosswalks
- Median refuge islands
- Flashing pedestrian signals
- Curb extensions
- Eliminating southbound left turns to reduce conflict points
- Bike safety enhancements
- High visibility pavement markings and signage
Evaluating ways to add a shared-use path along Third Street from Miller Avenue to Burnside Avenue for a safer ride.
- Walking and bicycling improvements could include:
- New retaining walls outside the tunnel
- Wayfinding signage
- Wider sidewalks
Improving and connecting biking and walking routes identified as Key Routes and part of the Low Stress Network (routes that feel safer and more comfortable), on the following streets:
- Aune Street
- Scott Street
- 2nd Street
These upgrades could include:
- Redirecting bike/pedestrian traffic to different streets with signage
- Wayfinding signage
- Protected turn lanes for bicyclists
- Shared lane pavement markings
- New sidewalks
- Tubular Markers
Location
This project is located in southeast Bend near the Parkway. Starting on Aune Steet to Scott Street, then along Second Street to Miller Street, over to Third Street and up to Burnside Avenue.
Schedule
This project began with a feasibility study, and is now in the design phase, with construction to follow next year. It will create a two-lane road on Aune Street, intersection improvements, pedestrian and bicycle key route crossing improvements and sidewalk enhancements. The project components are identified in the Transportation System Plan.:
- 2027: Anticipated start of construction
- Winter 2026-27: Pre-construction Open house—Learn about the construction schedule, traffic impacts and detour routes
- April 13 through May 4. 2026: Online Open house (#2) – Learn about the proposed designs.
- Winter 2025-Summer 2026: Final design, including acquiring permit and right-of-way
- September 2025: Public Open house (#1)—The public weighed in on initial improvement ideas
Browse the open house materials by using a link below.
– English
– Spanish - Spring 2025: Project design started
- Summer 2024: Feasibility study completed
In June 2024, the Aune Street Extension Study was completed to identify and evaluate infrastructure improvement options for Aune Street Extension and the surrounding network to improve connectivity, mobility and safety for all modes. The report identified three Sub-Areas as summarized below and shown in the area map:
Sub-Area A: Includes intersection alternatives for a proposed crossing north of the railroad undercrossing- Sub-Area B: Includes intersection alternatives for a proposed crossing south of the railroad undercrossing
- Sub-Area C: Includes intersection options at Aune Street-Scott Street-Second Street and complete street upgrades on Second Street and Aune Street
Area Key Routes
As part of the Study, Key Routes (low stress for pedestrians and bicyclists) in the City’s Transportation System Plan were evaluated and alternatives were identified along the routes as shown in the figure at right:
Background
This project builds on previous planning:
- The community-driven Transportation System Plan update, 2018-2020, included these improvements that were referred to the Transportation General Obligation [GO] bond passed by Bend voters in November 2020.
- Resulting project prioritization by the Transportation Bond Oversight Committee in 2021.
- The Core Area Project Report, 2020, set a vision for how this area would function and feel, creating a connected and safe growing urban landscape.
- In July 2024, the Aune Street Extension Study was completed to identify and evaluate options to improve connectivity, mobility and safety for all travel modes. This work provided some options for each of the needed improvements that are consistent with the vision to increase safe and accessible east-west connections, especially for people walking, biking and using transit.
Funding
Project design is funded through the Bend G.O. Bond, Capital Improvement Program funding, and an Oregon Department of Transportation grant through ARTS (All Roads Transportation Safety).