City moves Colorado Bridge portage path to safer spot

The portage path being used by some Deschutes River floaters around the Colorado Avenue Bridge was changed Wednesday “to protect public safety” and move them away from heavy construction equipment at McKay Park, the city announced.

“Floaters, and other pedestrians and cyclists need to avoid the area near large construction equipment in use in McKay Park and on Shevlin Hixon Road. The construction equipment is for a sewer lift station under construction and park improvements. (Visit www.bendoregon.gov/colorado for more information about the sewer project.)

As a temporary change, floaters will need to exit the river prior to the Colorado Avenue bridge, travel to Shevlin Hixon Road to pass under Colorado Avenue and then travel on the pedestrian bridge to the east side of the river and re-enter the river at the dock area at Miller’s Landing.

This change will be in effect from now until end of day Thursday.

Shevlin Hixon Road between Colorado Avenue and Allen Road is an active work zone, which is not a safe place for pedestrians, officials said. City and park district representatives will be on site at the portage take-out to direct people to cross the river over the new footbridge. (Map #1 above.)

“This is almost a half-mile detour, which we understand may be inconvenient for those carrying inner tubes and wearing flip flops,” the city said.

To make portaging more convenient for those floating the river, the city and the Bend Park and Recreation District are working together to create a more convenient portaging solution that allows residents to enjoy their river recreation in a safe manner. This portage pathway will be available beginning Friday. (Map #2 above.)

“Work will continue to make modifications for a more direct route,” the city announcement said. “Thank you for adhering to these routes as you use this area.”

It’s the latest challenge to river floaters in the wake of the closure of a passage at the Bend Whitewater Park due to floaters’ difficulties and injuries in the turbulent water.