Downtown Bend drivers get relief: Olney Avenue fully reopens, more than a year after project began

(Update: Adding video, interview with impacted business)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- More than a year after the city of Bend began an improvement project on a key east-west thoroughfare - work that was beset by several unexpected delays - the final closed stretch of Olney Avenue between Wall Street and First Street reopened to drivers on Wednesday morning.

KTVZ spoke to businesses along Olney, who say the extended closure made it harder for customers to reach them. Dr. Sarah Cummings, medical director at Riverside Animal Hospital, said some clients told her they stopped coming because getting to the clinic had become too difficult.

Dr. Cummings said, “The impact on our clients when that road was closed was huge, because everyone's trying to find another way to get to us." Adding, "I do think that it did impact our business this past year. We had more than one client tell us, 'it's just too hard to get to you guys right now.'"

The $12 million Olney Avenue Improvements Project that began in early February of last year originally was expected to be finished last fall.

It replaced aging (from the 1950s) water and sewer infrastructure, which the city said was a key step to help keep up with the demand on those systems.

"At the same time, this project made Olney Avenue safer to drive, walk, bike and roll," the city announcement said, continuing: "The city recognizes that delays impacted travel for many community members and appreciate the patience and understanding shown throughout the project."

One key step was last May's reopening of the Olney Avenue-Wall Street intersection, but the street remained closed to the east.

The city explained that the road project was hit by several delays "due to the complexity of coordinating construction with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railways around active rail operations."

"The city is grateful for its collaboration with BNSF as we worked through some complex issues at the railroad crossing," the city added.

City Engineering Director Ryan Oster said, “We want to thank our community for their patience and understanding throughout the Olney Avenue project. This project not only provided needed upgrades to our aging water and sewer system, it made it safer for all users of the roadway."

“We also extend our sincere appreciation to BNSF for their strong partnership and collaboration in bringing this project across the finish line," Oster added.

City officials also had one added piece of good news to share on Wednesday: Due to the recent unusually warm winter weather, crews were able to get permanent asphalt on all of Olney Avenue in place. They said that means they won't have to return to the job site in the spring, as previously planned, to finish paving and striping the road.

The Olney Avenue Improvements Project is part of the voter approved 2020 Transportation Go Bond. Olney Avenue connects to schools, parks, trails, businesses and more. These are places that kids, parents, commuters and others in the City traveling east to west need to reach.

You can learn more about the project at bendoregon.gov/olney.