The cost of Bend’s planned Hawthorne Overcrossing bridge has jumped by $5 million, throwing a wrench into the City of Bend’s timeline and design plans for the project.
The City reports that the Oregon Department of Transportation recently informed them of the cost hike. ODOT is managing the design and construction due to federal funding requirements. The overage stems from unplanned construction and design costs as well as expensive traffic control requirements tied to shutting down parts of the US 97 Bend Parkway during construction.
The City Council discussed the news and revisited bridge design plans during its Sept. 24 meeting. After the review, councilors opted for a simpler “truss” model, though the specific design has not been finalized.
Bridge tied to bigger vision for Bend’s core
The pedestrian and bike bridge is a key part of the City’s broader Core Area redevelopment vision. The Council hopes to eventually relocate Bend City Hall to the Core Area and transform the surrounding neighborhood with a mix of housing, businesses and more walkable streets. The overcrossing is meant to safely connect east Bend to downtown.
In 2024, the Council voted 4-2 to move forward with a single-tower cable-stayed bridge. More than 400 residents participated in a July 2024 open house, with many prioritizing aesthetics, accessibility and dark-sky lighting. The single-tower design was originally chosen for its visual appeal and perceived balance between cost and function.
Budget pressure sparks call for simpler design
The project is working with a $32 million budget, with $31 million coming from state and federal sources — including a $20 million federal grant and about $5 million from the state. The City of Bend is contributing $1 million in local funds.
With design and construction costs running higher than originally expected — ODOT estimates traffic control alone could cost several million dollars — city leaders have now chosen a simpler truss bridge design. City leaders expressed a general preference for the “Broken Top truss” bridge design, arguing that it is still aesthetically pleasing, while also being more affordable.
Councilor Ariel Mendez emphasized the need to get the bridge built efficiently and cost-effectively even if that means scaling back some design elements.
Timeline, design and what’s next
All proposed designs feature long straight approaches and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant features to support people walking, biking and using mobility devices. Weekly coordination meetings between ODOT, KPFF Consulting Engineers and the City of Bend are now underway to keep the project on track.
Community advocates stress the need for coordinated planning beyond the bridge itself.
“The Hawthorne Bridge will be a redevelopment catalyst for the BCD [Bend Central District] and a strong move toward sustainable growth — if the City prioritizes and leverages the opportunities beyond the bridge landings,” wrote Corie Harlan, Cities & Towns program director at Central Oregon LandWatch, in an op-ed for the Source. This includes ensuring safe connected routes and redesigning the Third Street crossing to improve safety for all travelers.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2027 or early 2028 with design work continuing through 2027. The bridge will stretch from Second Street to Hill Street, providing a dedicated link across one of Bend’s biggest barriers.
Despite the budget setback City officials say they remain committed to delivering a safe and functional crossing that supports long-term growth in Bend’s core. In a joint statement by ODOT and the City of Bend, the agencies said: “We are aligned in our commitment to delivering a successful project that meets grant requirements while minimizing impacts to the Bend Parkway, local roadways, nearby businesses and critical freight and rail operations.”
The next project update is expected Nov. 12.
This article appears in the Source October 2, 2025.
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If it doesn’t have to be Gucci-snazzy, why not make it comfortable year-round with an enclosed walkway, like the one connecting the University Oregon’s main campus with the new Knight research campus across Franklin Boulevard? And maybe cut c0sts eve further while keeping it accessible and even more comfortable year-round with cosy elevators instead of long outdoor ramps?