New Farewell Bend footbridge opens in a week

Work to replace the Farewell Bend Bridge is wrapping up and the bridge will reopen to pedestrian use beginning Saturday, Sept. 10, the Bend Park & Recreation District announced Friday.

Officials said the bridge provides important connectivity between Farewell Bend Park, Riverbend Park and the Deschutes River Trail, and is highly used by walkers, runners, bicyclists and park maintenance personnel.

The park district worked with Deschutes Construction to remove the 75-year-old former bridge and replace it with a steel bridge that is 160 feet long and 12 feet wide.

“The new Farewell Bend Bridge opens up the view of the Deschutes River considerably and will hopefully serve us for as many years as its predecessor,” said Brian Hudspeth, the park district’s development manager. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and adherence to the detours while the project was underway.”

For project maps, schedules and updates, visit the project webpage.