Traffic changes and diverters added to Delaware Avenue
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- You may have seen these concrete barriers in the middle of NW Delaware Avenue, or noticed some of the cross streets from Colorado Avenue have been changed to one way.
It’s part of the city’s plan to help protect cyclists in the Old Bend neighborhood. Delaware is part of the Bend Bikeway Project.
It's something the city has been working on for a long time, to encourage the residents of those neighbors to bike or walk. However, the city has struggled with drivers speeding down these streets, making them unsafe for bikers and pedistraints
Now they’re trying out these diverters, which change the traffic flow. Ariel Méndez, Bend city Counciler explained the changes, saying, “These are on the Greenway network, which is, a network of streets that is intended to prioritize people walking and biking and wheeling. And, this is something that other cities have seen that really promote safety. And we're going to give them a try here. ”
The reactions of the people living on Delaware have been mixed. Tony Roberts, who lives right next to one of the blocked intersections said “I'm not crazy about them, but, I'm willing to sit here and see what they do to the traffic.” Roberts and his wife have had to change how they drive to and from their home due to the new diverters.
Lloyd McMullem, has lived on Delaware for decades. She said she missed the opportunity for public comment, but wasn't opposed to them entirely. “I think in the end, it might be a good thing." she said, adding " because we had felt like maybe we need a roundabout because people were so fast in the street. So if it solves the dilemma, then I'm all for it. ”
Many residents interviewed by KTVZ for this story expressed an interest in the possibility of a mini-round about, instead of diverters, to minimize the change in the flow of traffic.
There’s also been a little initiate confusion that comes with any traffic pattern change. Some drivers are trying to enter the new one-way intersections from the wrong directions, or making three point turns in the middle of the street to change directions.
The city of Bend is collecting data and feedback on this project.
They want people to visit the Bend Bikeway Project website, read their plans and send comments which could influence future projects.
