Future of key Deschutes County Interchange Project uncertain as ODOT funding remains undecided

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] -- The future of a critical interchange project at US 97 and Baker Road in Deschutes County is uncertain, as funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) remains unresolved. In a recent meeting, ODOT presented the status and plans for this interchange, which has been years in the making and aims to improve safety and alleviate congestion in a rapidly growing area of south Bend.

The US 97/Baker Road interchange was originally constructed about 30 years ago to serve rural traffic and truck movement between US 97 and US 20. However, urban growth in south Bend has led to significant congestion and safety issues that are expected to worsen with planned housing and employment expansion.

ODOT’s presentation highlighted alternatives for improvements, with Alternative 1 recommended as the preferred plan despite community support for Alternative 3. This option involves adding signals or a roundabout at existing ramp terminals and lengthening the southbound off-ramp, providing a lower-cost and easier-to-phase solution compared to Alternative 3, which proposes a larger flyover interchange with multiple new bridges but comes with much higher costs and complexity.

Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone cautioned about potential delays due to uncertainties at ODOT: "The Board of Commissioners, think about it. When we thought China Hat Road and Ponderosa Road and Knott Road, those are all roads that are county roads, so it intersects county roads, but ODOT’s capital projects list and their maintenance needs are all up in the air right now because of, you know, the transportation package, now the possible vote to repeal it," said DeBone.

The project's estimated cost stands at $38 million, divided over two phases, but without secured funding, the timeline for completion remains unclear.

ODOT’s Interchange Area Management Plan (IAMP) for this site aims to ensure safe and efficient operation for all travel modes over the next 20 years, identifying transportation improvements, management strategies, and land use actions to support planned development.

Public outreach has included advisory committees and online open houses.

Active transportation improvements are planned as part of the project, including multi-use paths and enhanced crossings to improve connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.