Newport Corridor Improvements Project Update – February 25, 2022

SAFETY FIRST

The City of Bend has closed the southbound lane of the College Way and Newport Avenue roundabout to prohibit eastbound cut-through traffic. 

If you see any vandalism to the traffic control in the area, we ask that you contact the City of Bend Police non-emergency dispatch immediately at 541-693-6911.

Over the last few weeks, the City of Bend has received a number of complaints from Milwaukee Avenue residents about the increased cut-through traffic down the Neighborhood Greenway (as a result of Newport Avenue being closed to construction) and several safety issues that arose as a result. Despite the detour signage and outreach to the community to use the detour on Portland Avenue and Mount Washington Drive, cut-through traffic on Milwaukee Avenue has increased.

Before there was a serious injury from this continued behavior, the City of Bend closed the southbound lane of the College Way and Newport Avenue roundabout to prohibit this eastbound cut-through traffic. It will reopen when construction along Newport Avenue, between Juniper Street and College Way, is completed this spring. We appreciate your understanding that the safety of the community is our top priority. 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

A photo of the road closure at Rockwood Lane. There is a barricade and two orange cones marking the road closure.
Above: The closure of Rockwood Lane.

Construction update for February 24 – March 3

Newport Corridor Improvements Scheduled Construction – Segment 2A (9th Street through 10th Street Intersection)

  • Stormwater planter wall forms are constructed.
  • Replacement of the existing water lines begins

Newport Corridor Improvements Scheduled Construction – 12th Street (south of Newport Avenue)

  • Stormwater lines and structures are replaced

Newport Corridor Improvements Scheduled Construction – Segment 5 (Juniper Street to College Way) 

  • Stormwater planters check dams are poured.
  • Concrete curbs are formed (Weather dependent).

DETOURS IN EFFECT

Traffic Closures and Changes

  • Newport Avenue is closed between 9th Street through the 10th Street intersection.
  • 10th Street, north and south of Newport Avenue, will be local access only.
  • 12th Street is closed south of Newport Avenue.
  • The intersection at NW Knoxville Blvd. and Newport Avenue is closed.
  • One-way westbound local access only on Newport Avenue, from NW Juniper Street to College Way.
  • The Rockwood Lane exit of the College Way roundabout is closed.

 A map of the Newport Avenue Improvements Project's traffic control plan, depicting road closures along Newport Avenue, the eastbound detour, and the westbound detour in effect February - March 2022 (weather permitting).

All businesses along Newport Ave. will be open through construction. 

Temporary Pedestrian Accessibility Route for Segment 2A Construction

If headed eastbound on Newport Avenue:

  • At the westside of 11th Street, head southbound towards Milwaukee Avenue. 
  • Turn left to continue eastbound on Milwaukee Avenue.
  • At the 10th Street 5-way intersection, head south to cross Milwaukee Avenue, then immediately travel northeast on Union Street.
  • Union Street will take you back to Newport Avenue to continue traveling eastbound.

If headed westbound on Newport Avenue:

  • At 9th Street, head westbound on the south side of Newport Avenue towards Union Street. 
  • Turn left to travel southwest down Union Street.
  • At the 10th Street 5-way intersection, continue across Milwaukee, then immediately travel north on 10th Street to cross Milwaukee.
  • Turn left to travel westbound along Milwaukee Avenue, crossing 11th Street.
  • On the westside of 11th Street, travel northbound to get back onto Newport Ave to continue traveling westbound.

GENERAL PROJECT NOTES

  • Access to all area businesses along the construction corridor will be maintained.
  • Please do not enter the construction zone before, during, or after hours.
  • Daytime work hours are in effect from 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
  • The ‘Tree Preservation and Removal Overview Exhibits’ can be found on the project website. These exhibits provide design details about each tree being removed and where new trees will be planted.
  • There are many construction projects in the area and throughout the City of Bend. Travel safely.

PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS

  • EMS, buses, and other delivery/service providers have been included in the project updates distribution list.
  • Please help us in spreading the word to your clients, customers, and delivery personnel regarding detouring and closures.
  • Share the project website (provided below), where others can also sign up for updates using the ‘PROJECT UPDATES’ button.
  • Please contact the project team if you are not the correct contact for your organization or if others need to be included.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Project Website: https://www.bendoregon.gov/newportimprovements

24-Hour Construction Phone Line: 541-200-6972

Project Contacts: 

Brittany Barker, PE – City of Bend Principal Engineer – bbarker@bendoregon.gov

Peter Guth, Project Public Involvement Coordinator – pguth@dowl.com or 548-256-6007

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