Olney Improvements Project Update – June 18, 2025

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: June 16 – June 27 

NAVIGATING THE SAFETY CHANGES AT NW WALL STREET/NE OLNEY AVENUE

The intersection of NW Wall Street and NE Olney Avenue is now open to traffic from three directions. We’ve enjoyed witnessing the celebrations already! The adjacent Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project on NW Portland Avenue project is also complete. The graphic below illustrates key features of the newly retrofit Olney and Wall intersection, highlighting innovative design elements that reduce collisions, improve visibility, and boost awareness and safety for all road users.
If the traffic light is red, cyclists should wait in the bike detection boxes for the signal to detect them. Cyclists can cross the intersection when the traffic light is green. Cyclists should cross in the same direction of travel as vehicles. Vehicles must yield to cyclists and pedestrians before turning right on green. To turn left, cyclists should make a two-stage left turn.

The corner island truck aprons are made to slow down traffic and increase visibility for cyclists and pedestrians. Cars should not drive over the top of the corner island truck aprons.

For more information on using intersections like this, please check out this video.

link to video on youtube

Active Work Area: NW Wall Street/NE Olney Avenue to NE Second Street/NE Olney Avenue

Concrete crews continue to pour sidewalk and curbs. 

Crews are installing irrigation and landscaping.

Multiple new drywells are being installed along Olney Avenue for stormwater. A stormwater dry well is a large underground structure that collects and disperses rainwater into the surrounding soil.

The new water line is beginning to be installed between NE Second Street and NE First Street. Construction and preparation for sewer and water line borings under the railroad continues. The sewer boring is planned to resume on June 30 following a delay for addressing unanticipated loose soil under the railroad.

Temporary sewer and water bypasses are being utilized to ensure businesses have sewer and water services throughout construction. All temporary water shut offs will be limited and communicated to businesses/residents ahead of time.

ACCESS UPDATES

  • The NE Olney Avenue/NE Second Street Intersection is open
  • The NE Olney Avenue/NE First Street Intersection is closed for sewer improvements. All businesses remain open and can be accessed by driveways on NE First Street and NE Second Street.
  • For additional vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle detour information, reference the revised detour map.
  • EMS, buses and other delivery/service providers have been included on this distribution list.

GENERAL PROJECT NOTES

  • Access to all businesses along the construction area is maintained. All businesses are open.
  • Please do not enter the closed construction zone before, during, or after hours. Stay far away from closed construction areas and equipment. There are open trenches, heavy equipment and other hazards throughout the closed work zone.
  • Daytime work hours are in effect from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Noise, vibration and dust during regular working hours.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

  • Construction Phone Line: 541-322-9919
  • Project website: bendoregon.gov/olneypedbike
  • Project e-mail: olneypedbike@bendoregon.gov
  • Project Contacts:
    • Carrie Harris –Project Manager
    • Madeline Allen-Sandoz – Project Assistant
    • Linda Swearingen – Project Public Involvement Coordinator
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