Deschutes County unveils updated roundabout designs for South Century Drive
THREE RIVERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Road Department is hosting a second online open house from Dec. 5 to Jan. 5 to review updated designs for roundabouts at two intersections on South Century Drive.
The roundabouts are planned for Venture Lane and Spring River Road, aiming to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Nearly 290 community members participated in the first open house last spring, providing feedback on six design alternatives that helped refine the most popular options.
"Community input is crucial for refining these designs," said a representative from the Deschutes County Road Department.
South Century Drive is a vital route near the Sunriver and Three Rivers communities, and the improvements are part of a broader initiative to enhance three key intersections along this corridor. In addition to the roundabouts, the project includes upgrades such as new traffic signs, pavement markings, and pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements.
Construction is currently underway at the Huntington Road intersection, with completion expected by early summer 2026. The Transportation System Plan (TSP) identified the intersections of South Century Drive with Huntington Road and Spring River Road as high-priority projects, while Venture Lane was marked as a medium priority.
The first online open house in May 2025 showcased several conceptual alternatives, and community feedback has informed refinements to these options. Enhanced pedestrian options, including at-grade crossings and Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), are part of the improvements to make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
For Venture Lane, two preferred options emerged from community feedback: the 'barbell' design with double roundabouts and a single roundabout with a turn lane. Construction for these projects is anticipated to begin in January 2027, with traffic continuing in both directions during construction.
The Deschutes County Road Department's efforts to improve South Century Drive aim to address congestion and safety concerns, with community input playing a key role in shaping the final designs.
