Bend Parkway improvement project to go on as planned, amid COVID-19

(Update: Adding video, parkway plan phases, link to ODOT's website)

Planning manager says there could be delays if impacts linger

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board and Technical Advisory Committee say the Bend Parkway improvements project remains on track, despite COVID-19. 

Bend MPO Manager Tyler Deke said Monday there are no current changes due to the virus outbreak, but if there were to be prolonged impacts due to the virus, there could be delays to near-term projects, due to reductions in gas tax collections and other transportation funding.

He added that the short-term time frame for the parkway project is 10 years, so there could still be changes as to when near-term projects will be implemented.

The first 10 years would include improvements to the south end at Murphy and Powers roads, as well as better off-ramps at Reed Market Road and Hawthorne Avenue.

The second phase would add ramp meters, an overpass at China Hat Road and new technology alerting drivers to weather warnings and speed limit changes.

The third phase would add a pedestrian and bike crossing at Wilson Avenue.

Work on the parkway improvement plans started in 2016, and Rick Williams, project manager for ODOT Region 4, said they are "finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel."

You can learn more about the Bend Parkway plan on ODOT's website.