Reminder: Stretch of Empire Avenue closes Tuesday

Starting next Tuesday, the city of Bend plans to close Empire Avenue from the 18th Street roundabout to Purcell Boulevard. The closure will affect all motorists, bicycles and pedestrians. The Pilot Butte Canal trail will also be closed at Empire Avenue in both directions.

Visitors to Ponderosa Elementary School and Pine Nursery Park are advised to take alternate routes.

Signs will direct motorists to detour routes. Purcell Boulevard will remain open in both directions.

Empire Avenue is set to reopen in December.

The Empire Corridor Improvements project is a priority project that will greatly improve safety, multi-modal transportation options, access, and connectivity for the neighborhood and the traveling public.

The first phase of work includes reconstruction of existing Empire Avenue from 18th Street to Purcell Boulevard, and a new roundabout at Empire Avenue and Purcell Boulevard. Phase 1 construction is expected to start in September 2018 and take nine months.

Future design and construction of additional corridor improvements – including Purcell Boulevard between Empire Avenue and Butler Market Road, and the Empire Avenue extension from Purcell Boulevard to the intersection of 27th Street and Butler Market Road, including a new roundabout – are planned for a later phase of the project, subject to City Council approval.

The estimated construction cost for Phase 1 of the Empire Corridor Improvements project is $4.5 million. Funding is from City of Bend transportation system development charges and utility franchise funds.

For more information, go to www.bendoregon.gov/empire or call 541-200-6979.