Empire Corridor Improvements Project Update – September 9, 2021

Thank you for your interest in the Empire Corridor Improvements Project.

Back to School Means Sharing the Road with Student Pedestrians and Bicyclists

• Please obey speed laws in school zones.
• Watch for both pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Allow for extra driving time immediately before and after school.
• Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn.

Due to a COVID outbreak, the opening of the new roundabout has been delayed and is now slated for early October. 

Early morning work may occur through early September. Work will begin as early as 4:00 AM during this timeframe. This work is limited to NE Butler Market Road and NE Purcell Blvd intersection.

Intermittent work will occur at the intersections of NE Wild Rivers Loop, NE Cradle Mountain Way, NE Purser Avenue, and NE Castle Avenue for the next few weeks.

• One intersection will be closed at a time during work hours. All intersections will be open at the end of the workday.
• Construction is dependent on weather, COVID-19 protocols, and other factors.
• Workers may be working Saturday, September 11, 2021.
• NE Butler Market Road and NE Purcell Blvd roundabout is scheduled to open in October. 

Above: NE Purcell Blvd and NE Butler Market Road facing west.

Above: Sidewalk prep work along NE Butler Market Road facing east.

Please Stay Out of Work Zone and Away From Construction Equipment

• The construction area is considered unsafe for yourself, children, and pets.
• Walk and bicycle in designated areas only.
• Access to the construction area is limited to construction workers.
• Do not remove barriers, warning signs, warning tape, or fencing.
• Do not drive over construction cones or barriers.
• Daytime work hours are in effect from 7:00 AM-5:30 PM. Closures are in effect at all times.

Please Use the Detour Route Around Construction Zones

• Detours are in place during construction.
• There are many construction projects in the area and throughout the City of Bend. Travel safely.

Check in on our interactive, online map at www.bendoregon.gov/traffic.

Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities

Sign language interpreter service, assistive listening devices, materials in alternate formats such as Braille, large print, electronic & CD formats, or any other accommodations are available upon advance request. To obtain this information, please contact the project team at (541) 330-4018 or (541) 350-6012; Relay Users Dial 7-1-1, and (541) 385-6676.

Questions or Comments?

Visit www.bendoregon.gov/empire for current project information.  

24-Hour Construction Phone Line: (541) 200-6939

Project Contacts

Sinclair Burr, P.E., Project Manager – sburr@bendoregon.gov or (541) 330-4018

Linda Swearingen, Public Outreach Coordinator – lllswear@aol.com or (541) 350-6012