ODOT
Posted inOpinion

With a Referendum on ODOT Funding, Oregon Is Damned If We Do…or Don’t

A vote in May gets the matter settled sooner, but has the potential to erode voter trust
by The Source Editorial Board

Over the past several weeks we have heard arguments both for and against the notion of putting a citizen-led repeal of new gas taxes on the May ballot, rather than a November one. Proponents said it gets the question of future funding for the Oregon Department of Transportation answered sooner. Opponents said it subverted the […]

Posted inOpinion

A Gas Tax Repeal Could Be Looming, But Oregonians Will Feel the Effects Right Away

Next year, voters may get a chance to weigh in on funding for ODOT. But the current repeal petition will put the brakes on road maintenance far sooner.
by The Source Editorial Board

From the flurry of activity that has been happening around the proposed gas tax referendum, it’s clear that many Oregonians have strong feelings about the issue of raising fees on car registrations and raising the state gas tax by 6 cents. Partisan historians are calling the effort “unprecedented.” Some are going out of their way […]

Posted inNews

Unlucky Horseshoe

A Bend storage facility was claimed through eminent domain. Over five months later, some tenants say the owners never let them know they needed to move out.
Avatar photo by Jack Harvel

On May 21 Joshua Hockenson started packing up his storage unit at Lucky Horseshoe Storage Facility on the north side of Bend. Inside were some prized possessions from his travels; a tapestry from Thailand, a painting of the Thousand Hand Buddha from Bhutan and the hiking gear he’d brought on his journey. Hockenson flew over […]

Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides

Are Studded Tires Really Necessary?

With winter ahead, we examine whether cutting corners will lead to skidding out
Avatar photo Cayla Clark

Les Schwab says, “Winter tires are important for safe driving if you live somewhere that gets snow, ice, sleet or freezing rain and temperatures of 40 degrees or colder.” Bridgestone Tire informs, “The best way to be prepared for unpredictable winter roads is to install winter tires (also known as snow tires) on your vehicle.” […]

Posted inNews

The Mean Streets of Winter

Heavy snow years can cause headaches for commuters, pedestrians and the City
Chris Miller

The end of winter came in like a lion, covering Bend with record snowfall in February. Even though the snow’s largely stopped falling and the temperatures are rising, plenty of reminders from the storm remain on roadways and sidewalks. That’s left many wondering about the protocols—if any—city officials follow for snow removal. Some might wonder, […]

Posted inNews

Next Up for Roundabout Art: Prineville

City puts out call for proposals for large-scale artwork in its new roundabout
Avatar photo Nicole Vulcan

Artwork abounds in the roundabouts in Bend and elsewhere in Central Oregon—and now, Prineville is looking to share some of that creative wealth. The Oregon Department of Transportation has recently finished the Tom McCall Roundabout at the intersection of Hwy. 126 and Tom McCall Drive on Prineville’s west side—just south of Facebook’s Data Center, and […]

Posted inOutside

Warning: Wildlife on Highway

Project to protect wildlife passage across Hwy. 97 sees a reduction in collisions between vehicles and animals
Damian Fagan

Many Central Oregon drivers fall into two categories: those who have hit mule deer and those who know someone who has. Fortunately for both deer and driver, a 4-mile section along Hwy. 97 south of Lava Butte now provides both with safe passage. In June 2012, the Oregon Department of Transportation completed the Lava Butte […]

Posted inNews

Franklin Tunnel Revival?

BCD looks to turn underpass into a work of art
Chris Miller

Riding your bike through trash, puddles of human waste and avoiding the occasional napper can make the route to downtown through the Franklin Avenue underpass a little less than pleasant. But if groups including the Bend Central District, Central Oregon LandWatch and local businesses have their way, the tunnel could end up a gem for […]

Posted inOpinion

Letters to the Editor

The Bend Hum, Naked Bike Correction and In Response to…
The Source Staff

The Bend Hum: Hwy97? Trains? Industrial? I’ve noticed over the last year a distinctive, incessant industrial-like hum/pulse in NE Bend and at my house particularly. I’ve tried everything to find it to no avail until last night. Some of my neighbors can hear it and so I wonder how many other people can hear it […]

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