ODOT improving Hwy. 97 signal timing on Bend’s north end

Flashing red nights for 2 nights; similar improvements planned in Redmond

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – With changes underway to improve signal timing on U.S. Highway 97 on Bend's north end, motorists can expect to see short-term flashing red lights one night this week and next, so everyone must stop.

Traffic managers with ODOT are installing new signal timing equipment that they say in the long term will improve signal management, especially at the north end of Bend.

Beginning Wednesday night at about 8 p.m., crews will begin to make the change to the signal at Robal Road and Highway 97.

During the time that new equipment is installed, at times all the signals will turn to flashing red, meaning all drivers must come to a complete stop.  The duration of this interim flashing red period is expected to be off and on for about three hours, and most likely will affect motorists traveling that corridor from about 9-11 p.m., while the work is underway.

The signal timing will take a few weeks to fine-tune.

The same pattern of signal timing will take effect at Cooley Road and Highway 97 on the following Tuesday, May 5.

When the work at these two intersections is complete, similar signal improvements will take place in Redmond.

Motorists can expect to see minor changes in the signal patterns while the new computer software adjusts to our increasingly heavy traffic conditions, ODOT said.