New Bend Senior High entrance brings traffic changes, extended school zone

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Students are back in class this week, and the ongoing rebuild of Bend Senior High School is bringing new traffic patterns around the campus.

Students, staff, and visitors now enter and exit the school from Northeast Ninth Street. The change is expected to increase traffic along the roadway and has prompted an extension of the school zone.

Bend Police School Resource Officer John Horvath is urging drivers to plan ahead, remain alert, and allow extra time when traveling near the school.

“Remember just to go slow. Leave a little bit early. Give yourself a little more time,” Horvath said. “You don’t want to be driving quickly through school zones because it’s dangerous for the students. It’s dangerous for the drivers.”

Horvath said drivers should also expect increased traffic enforcement as the school year begins.

“There will be more officers out there looking to make sure that you are following the speed limits in the school zones,” he said.

The extended school zone on Northeast Ninth Street includes flashing lights that will operate when students are present. During those times, the speed limit is 20 mph.

Bend-La Pine Schools said students also helped develop safety messaging before the start of the school year to inform families about the new entrance and traffic changes.

Drivers are encouraged to watch for students walking or biking, avoid distractions, and follow all posted speed limits around the campus.