Bend Empire corridor project traffic control devices stolen, moved

(Update: Adds video, comment from project manager)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ )-- Construction is well underway for the Empire Avenue corridor improvements in Bend, but a vandal or vandals have been frequenting work sites and taking or moving traffic control devices from them.

The city of Bend recently issued a note to the public stating that barricades, barrels, cones and other traffic control signals have been stolen or moved within the last few months.

They said removing the devices from these sites poses a great risk for children, residents, bicyclists, drivers and construction workers.

The Empire Corridor Improvements include updates on 27th Street construction of roundabouts on Butler Market Road at 27th Street and Deschutes Market Road.

Sinclair Burr, a project manager for the city, said more items were stolen at the intersection of Jill Court and 27th Street. Each sign is about $250 and each barrel costs $50 to $100, but the city is more concerned about the safety risks for construction crews and those who live near the sites.

"There are some financial costs there, but more so than that it's the liability that comes with moving the traffic control," Burr said. "If you're moving it out of the way for a closure or moving it to actually close a street, you're putting the liability on yourself for any crashes that may happen. That's a bigger concern than the actual cost of the equipment itself."

The city closed some streets in the area on April 13 for construction work. The closures on Butler Market are at 27th Street, Deschutes Market Road, Cole Road and Eagle Road, and they are scheduled to be closed until mid- September.

City officials are asking that you notify project team members or Bend police with any information at their non-emergency phone line, (541) 322- 2960.