ODOT says Highway 97 safety projects will go on, despite COVID-19

Regional spokesman says more public input needed as meetings go virtual

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Even with closures and restrictions due to COVID-19, ODOT's Peter Murphy said projects like the Redmond to Bend safety project and improvements along South Century Drive near Sunriver will go on as planned.

Murphy said Monday ODOT is expecting a normal construction season this year, and said the only problem COVID-19 has caused thus far is getting public input due to ODOT not being able to hold in-person public meetings.

"We have turned to online open houses, so that kind of fits in some cases, but not always," Murphy said. "For instance, on our project down by Vandevert (Road), we want to work with Deschutes County, and there has to be a public hearing for that to happen."

Murphy said workers seem to be getting all the necessary engineering done from home.

One of ODOT's projects includes installing a raised median on Highway 97 between Bend and Redmond. Another project includes expanding Highway 97 to four lanes starting at South Century Drive. Both of those projects, according to Murphy, will continue as planned.

Murphy said ODOT's also installing a mile-long barrier south of Deschutes Market Road, but in order to allow people to make turns, he said they're adding what's called a 'J-Turn.'

“What we’ll do is put a J-turn in place, so people only have to cross one lane of traffic in order to get going in the other direction," Murphy said. "We’re implementing that as part of this safety project as a way for folks to have a median barrier, but nonetheless have that turning capability as well.”

Murphy said another project people can expect to see this summer is the wildlife undercrossing and bridge near Gilchrist. Murphy said the underpass is expected to be completed by early summer, with the bridge construction to follow.