The City of Bend is moving forward with a public‑works project aimed at improving traffic flow on Greenwood Avenue. Beginning this week, crews will remove a portion of the turn‑lane median curb that runs between NE First Street and NE Second Street.
Night‑time construction to limit impact
All work will take place overnight, from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m., allowing one travel lane to remain open in each direction during daylight hours. City officials say the schedule is designed to keep daytime impacts to a minimum for commuters, residents, and local businesses that line the corridor.
Purpose of the project
The median removal is intended to create additional space for eastbound vehicles to queue, easing the bottleneck that often forms when left‑turning traffic blocks the flow of traffic during peak periods. By widening the travel lane, the city hopes to reduce back‑ups that have plagued the avenue during morning and evening rush hours.
Timeline and expectations
City engineers estimate that the median removal will be completed before Labor Day, after which paving work can begin. The paving phase will further smooth the roadway and provide a more durable surface for the increased traffic volume.
Mayor and city council members have expressed support for the project, noting that improving Greenwood Avenue aligns with Bend’s broader goals of maintaining efficient transportation corridors while preserving the quality of life for families and commuters.
Residents who have questions or concerns about the construction schedule or traffic patterns are encouraged to contact the Bend Public Works Department. Updates will also be posted on the city’s official website and social‑media channels as the project progresses.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.