ODOT holding online open house for public input on planned multi-use path between Lava Butte and La Pine

(Update: Adding video, comments from ODOT, trail user)

It will connect in coming years to a similar Bend-to-Lava Butte path

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Transportation is planning to create a continuous multi-use pathway near Highway 97 from Lava Butte south to La Pine.

The plan is to develop a low-stress bike and pedestrian connection between Lava Butte, Sunriver, and La Pine. An online open house is now live for the Lava Butte to La Pine Multi-Use Path project.

"I come to this area about two or three times a year, and every visit I generally do the Lava Butte Trail," Washington resident Thomas Anderson said Thursday. "I go up the paved path and then down the Black Rock trail. Those are two of my favorite trails."

ODOT's Project Manager Miranda Wells said, "We've seen pretty positive reactions to the ideas that we put out there, and we've had a lot of feedback. But we're looking for more, because it's 20 miles long."

This new path will be a continuous route that will run parallel U.S. 97 and provide a safe and enjoyable route for those who wish to walk, bike, or roll instead of drive. Eventually, it will extend even farther, connecting Bend to La Pine.

The options under consideration include being next to Highway 97, looking at Lava Butte on the east and west sides of the highway, or utilizing existing roads.

Wells added, "This all all stemmed from a grant that the Forest Service had pursued. They just saw a demand for commuter and recreational traffic. Obviously, Lava Lands is busy with tourism, Sunriver, but there's also a lot of residential neighborhoods in between here that we want to service for commuting."

Wells said the grant was for about $4,000, which will get them through the planning phase. Then they'll seek additional grants. The estimated total cost of the Lava Butte-to-La Pine project is $5.6 million.

ODOT also plans to limit the impact  on wildlife crossings and is looking at safety as a priority. They also need to consider regulations for the jurisdictions involved - for example, the Forest Service does not allow e-bikes. 

At this point, there is no timeline for construction to begin, but regular trail users support the idea. 

Anderson added, "I am definitely in favor of trails. Trails are why I come here. I mean, I hike and walk on the trails, too."

The online open house provides details about the plans and options between Lava Butte and La Pine and includes a survey to provide public comments, available until July 17. Two in-person open houses took place earlier this week.

This project, combined with the planned Bend to Lava Butte Multi-Use Path and the recently completed U.S. 97: Wickiup Junction to 1st Street Multi-Use Path, will create a continuous multi-use path that runs next to Highway 97 from Bend to La Pine.