Bend natural gas line project heading downtown

A years-long project by Cascade Natural Gas to replace and update gas lines around Bend will move into the downtown core this spring, and an upcoming city open house is planned to share details and answer public questions.

The goal of the project is “to ensure customers have safe and efficient natural gas services,” a city announcement Thursday stated.

Cascade Natural Gas is starting work in the downtown Bend area this spring. It will include the alley that runs from Louisiana Avenue to Greenwood Avenue, between Wall and Bond streets (see map).

“The work is expected to disrupt normal traffic routes and business schedules in the downtown area during the day,” the city said.

The city and utility will host an open house to discuss this project and answer questions at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, in the council chambers at City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street. They will review the construction schedule, alley closures, business access needs and emergency plans.

The city said it and Cascade Natural Gas “are working to minimize risks associated with the gas line replacements, provide clear communication to interested stakeholders and create a safe construction zone for crews, business patrons, employees and businesses downtown.”

Utility spokesman mark Hanson told NewsChannel 21 Thursday a start date for the downtown Phase 5 of the onoing project has not been set, pending final city approval. In the meantime, crews will complete two sections of the fourth phase in northwest Bend, also upon city approval.

The overall project is a lengthy one, with another seven to 10 years of work left, Hanson added.