Road Safety Improvements for Core Area

The City of Bend says drivers, walkers and bicyclists are all reporting difficulty traveling east to west at the southern end of Bend’s Core Area. It’s hosting an open house on Wednesday, Sept. 10 to discuss proposed safety and connectivity upgrade in that area from Aune Street undercrossing at the Bend Parkway to and along Third Street.

In person: September 10, 4:00–6:00 p.m., at the Campfire Hotel, Outpost meeting space, 721 NE 3rd St, Bend, OR 97701
Online: September 10-24, 2025 at bendoregon.gov/aune

This project is funded through the 2020 Transportation GO Bond, Capital Improvement Program funding, and a grant through ARTS (All Roads Transportation Safety).

Learn more and sign up for project email updates at bendoregon.gov/aune

More information:

This project begins with a feasibility study, to be followed by the design and construction of a two-lane road extension, intersection improvements, pedestrian and bicycle key route crossing improvements and sidewalk enhancements. The components are identified in the Transportation System Plan (TSP) as follow:

Aune Street extension from Bond Street to Third Street
(This project will solely include the US 97/Bend Parkway undercrossing to Third Street, which includes TSP Key Route 7). See TSP ID #C-5 on p. 99
Third Street/Miller Avenue intersection improvements and Third Street modifications study (Phase 1: Feasibility Study will confirm if Miller is the best intersection for the Aune alignment extension, preferred intersection treatment and improvement limits). See TSP ID #S-5 on p. 101
Third Street/Miller Avenue intersection improvements and Third Street modifications implementation (Phase 2: Design and Construction). See TSP ID #S-6 on p. 102
Crosswalk – Create a safe crossing of 3rd Street between BNSF RR and Wilson Avenue using RRFB and safety islands (Determine if overlaps with project S-6 or alternate location). See TSP ID #R7-A on p. 108
Crosswalk – Create a safe crossing of 3rd Street between BNSF RR and Franklin Avenue using RRFB and safety islands (Determine if overlaps with project M-7 or maintained at Burnside Avenue). See TSP ID #R7-B on p. 108
Third Street underpass – Near term enhancements to sidewalk (To be determined during the design phase).TSP ID #R7-C on p. 108
Clay Avenue/3rd Street intersection improvement – to include pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements. TSP ID #M-7 on p. 102

Phase 2: Design – Starts Winter 2024

Phase 1: Feasibility Study – Complete

In June 2024, the Aune Street Extension Study was completed to identify and evaluate infrastructure improvement options for Aune Street Extension and the surrounding network to improve connectivity, mobility and safety for all modes. The report identified three Sub-Area as summarized below and shown in the area map:

Sub-Area A: Includes intersection alternatives for a proposed crossing north of the railroad undercrossing

Sub-Area B: Includes intersection alternatives for a proposed crossing south of the railroad undercrossing
Sub-Area C: Includes intersection options at Aune Street-Scott Street-Second Street and complete street upgrades on Second Street and Aune Street