Midtown Crossing Project Update – 9/13/2024

Midtown Crossings Project Update 

For additional construction details and project background information, check our website: bendoregon.gov/midtowncrossings 

The Midtown Crossings Project continues moving forward with creating safer more comfortable connections between Downtown and the Core Area. Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent open houses. Your input helped shape these projects and made sure we considered all of the safety concerns you observe on a daily basis. 

PARTICIPATION NUMBERS

For each of the public open house events we had roughly the following participation online and in-person: 

  • April: Greenwood Ave Open House – 710 
  • June: Greenwood Ave and Second St Street Open House – 100
  • July: Hawthorne Overcrossing Open House – 430
  • August: Franklin Ave Open House – 190 

Project Updates 

Greenwood Avenue – Quick-build nearly complete

rate greenwood buttonIn August, our construction team began the paving, striping, and installation of safety features for the yearlong “quick-build” evaluation including new complete bike lanes from Wall Street to Second Street. Later this month a few last details (dura-curb caps and intersection lighting) will be completed to wrap up this project. Over the next year we will be collecting data and public feedback to gauge how well the changes are working. Complete this form to share your feedback on these changes.
 
We have already heard from several people that the portion of Greenwood between Second and Fourth (outside of the quick-build project area) feels unsafe for people on bikes. The intersection of Third Street and Greenwood Avenue is where the city street turn into Highway 20. This means it is under ODOT control and they must be involved in any improvements. The City is working to coordinate future changes on this portion of Greenwood and may be able to connect Second Street to Greenwood Ave sooner than that. 

Second Street – In construction

second street construction starts at Greenwood and will continue south to FranklnWork continues on Second Street to replace the water line. This week crews are completing work at Irving Avenue, section 1 on the map at right, and continuing with section 2, towards Hawthorne Avenue. In about two weeks, when installation between Greenwood and Hawthorne is complete, testing will be done on these new pipes.  This testing requires short water shut-offs for the surrounding area (between Greenwood and Hawthorne). Notice will be provided to any affected properties. 

After testing section 1 and 2, pipe installation will continue from Hawthorne to Franklin in early October. We expect to complete the water line replacement by the end of October.

Sidewalk construction and streetscaping will be the next phase of this project beginning in November. City Council will vote on funding for this next phase of work on October 16. 

You can check the website for the most up to date construction information. 

Hawthorne Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Overcrossing – Bridge type selected 

City Council reviewed the background information including cost, public response, and some additional design renderings which showed the bridge types placed within the context of future land use development for the area. After careful consideration they selected the Single Tower Cable-Stay option for the future bridge. Several Councilors felt that this option would provide the best compatibility with future development, and offered a balanced mid-range cost. Councilors also discussed the parkway exit at Hawthorne Avenue and decided to close the exit and entrance because of safety concerns. This step will be taken in collaboration with ODOT. 

Design work for the new pedestrian and bicycle bridge will continue through 2026, and construction is expected in 2026-2027. ODOT will manage the design and construction of the project due to federal funding requirements.

Franklin Avenue – Design continues 

5 public comments written on plot mapThe Midtown Crossings team has just wrapped up the latest open house for feedback on Franklin Avenue design options. Thank you for your input! We are still processing the results but we have heard loud and clear, that many people who currently bike this route, have concerns about right-hooks from cars. The design team will continue looking for strategies to address this safety concern. We also heard that traveling on the undercrossing path can feel unsafe. Given the existing restriction on widening the undercrossing, we still hope to make it more comfortable with added lighting and better railings, as well as closing the parkway access bike path. The undercrossing entrances will also be more visible with the new designs, which should help with feeling safe approaching the tunnel.  
 
In November we will come back to the community with a more fully developed design that will integrate this feedback where possible. Stay tuned for details!  

To learn more about these projects and signup for project updates see our webpage at bendoregon.gov/midtowncrossings.

If you have questions about this project, feel free to reach out at (541) 323-0771 or midtownxings@bendoregon.gov. 

2020 Transportation GO Bond Dashboard

Explore the GO Bond Dashboard to find the latest GO Bond budget and project status information or visit bendoregon.gov/gobond.

Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities: To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc., contact project staff at 541-323-0771, midtownxings@bendoregon.gov; Relay Users Dial 7-1-1. 

Traducción e Interpretación: 541-241-6461.

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