BNSF crews called to Washington flood response delay completion of Bend’s Olney Avenue project

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Work on the Olney Avenue Improvements Project continues, city officials said Tuesday, as crews proceed with the construction project, despite a delay in work by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway crews.

Late last month, the railroad’s signal crew was reassigned to Washington state for emergency flood response, causing a delay in the Olney project, according to city officials.

City Community Relations Manager Jacob Larsen told KTVZ news Tuesday afternoon that the engineer overseeing the project said BNSF crews have returned and plan to work on the Olney project for the rest of this week, then return again to continue their work the last week of January. They expect to wrap up the signal improvements by early February. 

"These upgrades, specifically related to the railroad gate arms and flashing lights, must be completed before the road can safely reopen," the city said.

The city said its contractor "is working to complete this project as quickly as possible, with collaboration from BNSF Railway."

Paving and concrete work will continue by the railroad crossing through the end of the month.

"Please do not enter the closed construction zone before, during, or after hours, as there are open trenches, heavy equipment and other hazards throughout the closed work zone," they said.

Recently, a section of Olney Avenue opened between First and Third streets. That stretch of road includes a new, safer crossing at Olney Avenue and Second Street.

For more information and to stay up to date on the Olney Avenue Improvements Project, visit bendoregon.gov/olney.