Redmond’s SW Veterans Way to close for roundabout construction in 2026

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Redmond will begin a multi-phase closure of SW Veterans Way on March 30, 2026, to accommodate the construction of a new roundabout. The project will connect SW Veterans Way, SE First Street and the newly aligned SE Airport Way.

The construction is a major component of Redmond's Eastside Arterial Project, which aims to improve long-term traffic flow and safety. The new roundabout will link Veterans Way with a northern extension to Highway 126. To maintain local access, the city will provide a temporary access road and utilize flaggers for traffic management during active construction.

Work on the project will include utility installations and roadway improvements to complete the roundabout connections. To reduce daytime disruptions for travelers, crews will conduct night work from May 11 through May 22, 2026. Just before the roundabout opens to traffic, a full weekend closure is scheduled for June 6–7, 2026, to allow for final paving and tie-in work.

The city is utilizing a progressive design-build method to manage the project. This delivery method allows the city to work with a single team through both the design and construction phases, which officials said results in cost savings and an expedited timeline. The project team consists of Knife River for construction, Parametrix for design and Kittelson and Associates for traffic analysis and design.

The project is divided into five primary segments to limit traffic impacts. Phase one involves the Airport Way extension, adding 2,600 feet of new minor arterial street and replacing the existing SW Veterans Way at Highway 126. This portion of the work is being constructed offsite in an old golf course area near the Redmond Municipal Airport to avoid initial traffic disruptions. Other segments include the modernization of NE Ninth Street and the installation of roundabouts at Highway 126 and SW 19th Street.

The City of Redmond Engineering Division is managing the design and construction alongside several agency partners. These include the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration and Central Oregon Community College. Beyond improving connectivity, the project is designed to relieve congestion on Highway 97 and provide better access to industrial and commercial lands to support regional economic development.

Because the construction takes place in a high-traffic area, the city is advising drivers to expect potential delays. Construction activities may result in temporary utility disruptions, noise and dust for nearby businesses or properties. Real-time traffic impacts and detours will be updated on the city's road closures and delays map found on its official website.

The roundabout is tentatively scheduled for completion in the fall of 2026. The city will provide further construction updates, detour information and phase schedules as the work progresses.