City posts feedback from Reed Market Bridge open house
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend is moving forward on a transformative infrastructure project designed to eliminate frustrating railroad crossings on Reed Market Road. The Reed Market Bridge will lift vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians over the tracks, delivering safer, faster east-west travel through southeast Bend.
Project Background
Reed Market Road serves as a key arterial south of Greenwood Avenue, connecting 27th Street to the west side of the Deschutes River. Six to eight trains rumble through daily, often halting traffic for 5 to 20 minutes and creating major backups for commuters.
City leaders identified the need in their 2018-2020 Transportation System Plan update, prioritizing it for the voter-approved 2020 Transportation GO Bond. A $32 million Federal Railroad Administration grant covers much of the cost, with local bond funds providing the match.
Bridge Design Features
The new 108-foot span bridge stretches from SE American Lane east past SE 9th Street and Quill Place. It includes four travel lanes total, two eastbound, two westbound, on the structure itself, plus buffered bike lanes, sidewalks, and curbs on both sides.
A pedestrian tunnel west of 9th Street will link the Central Oregon Historic Canal Trail sections, ensuring safe north-south trail access without at-grade rail crossings. Access at American Lane stays open, while 9th Street gets a raised intersection: left turns from eastbound Reed Market remain, but only right turns onto westbound.
Latest Updates
The city thanked participants in the recent fall open house, posting public comments on the project website's FAQ page. The Federal Railroad Administration environmental review is nearing completion.
Preliminary engineering wrapped up in winter 2025/26, with final design and right-of-way acquisition slated for winter 2026/27. Construction starts mid-2027 after nearby roundabouts at Reed Market/15th and 15th/Ferguson are finished, wrapping up by 2029.
Community Impact and Next Steps
Detour details will roll out as design advances, prioritizing smooth traffic flow. This upgrade promises huge relief for daily drivers while boosting multimodal safety — no more waiting on trains.
For FAQs, timelines, open houses, and feedback, visit bendoregon.gov/reed-market-bridge.
