Newport Corridor Improvements Project Update – February 4, 2022

SAFETY FIRST

There are new closures on Newport Avenue. Segment 2A (from 9th Street through the 10th Street intersection) is now a 24-hour per day closure until completion.

As with any change in detours, allow additional time to reach your destination and follow all designated detour routes around the construction area. The businesses along the construction area will be utilizing their rear parking and alleyways for primary access points.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 

There will be early morning work in Segment 2A on February 9 or 10 to cut & cap the existing water line ahead of replacement. This work will begin at 5:00 AM, allowing for water to be turned off for a brief period with the least impact to businesses and residents. Additional advanced outreach and details will be provided to those impacted.

Online Open House – Open Now Through February 9

Visit our virtual open house online at bendoregon.gov/newportimprovements for project information and updates.

The City of Bend is utilizing new techniques to preserve as many trees as possible along the corridor. In addition to making some creative design changes, Arborists will be using air spading as an excavation method when work is necessary near tree roots. This new method uses an air spade that jets compressed air at extremely high velocities to blast away the dirt around the root system. Once the roots are exposed, the contractor will perform their work. The Arborist will fertilize the roots prior to backfilling to maintain a healthy tree. Utilizing these newer methods allows new infrastructure to be installed while preserving several of the trees that have defined Newport Avenue since it was originally built. 

A photo showing a tree's root system exposed using the air spading technique.
Above: Example of the air spading technique to expose a tree’s root system

A photo showing the completed surface demolition along Segment 2A.
Above: Demolition of the surfaces along Segment 2A is complete. Crews are installing sewer bypass systems and finalizing the water bypass.

Construction update for February 3 – February 10

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

  • Installation of the sewer and water bypass systems.
  • Excavation of the stormwater planters and construction of the concrete forms.

Newport Corridor Improvements Scheduled Construction – 12th Street

  • Construction of the joint utility trench continues. 

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

  • Concrete is poured, and curing of the planter walls begins.
  • Grading preparation begins.

DETOURS IN EFFECT

Traffic Closures and Changes

  • Newport Avenue between 9th Street through the 10th Street intersection will be closed beginning 1/31/2022.
  • 10th Street (North and South of Newport Avenue) will be local access only.
  • 12th Street from Ogden Avenue to Newport Avenue is closed.
  • 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.

A map of the Newport Avenue Improvements Project's traffic control plan, depicting road closures, the eastbound detour, and the westbound detour in effect January 3 - March 2022 (weather permitting).All businesses along Newport Avenue will be open through construction. 

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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