It’s open! On May 21, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the official re-opening of the Wilson Avenue Corridor Modernization Project. The work was designed to improve safety and east-west connectivity on Wilson from 15th Street to 2nd Street.
This initiative was driven by Bend citizens in 2020 when they voted for the Transportation General Obligation (GO) Bond.
“The Wilson Avenue Corridor is the first GO Bond project completion to celebrate,” said Mayor Melanie Kebler. “It also supports our Council goals to improve the transportation system with a focus on safety. I’m particularly excited about Bend’s first bicycle-protected roundabout at Ninth Street and Wilson Avenue that provides designated crossings, reducing the risk of collisions with cars, and also the protective designs for bike safety at Third Street.”
“Construction began in March 2022 and we’re proud to say this project was completed ahead of schedule,” said Project Manager Sinclair Burr. “We thank the traveling public for its patience during this period of time.”
While the corridor is open for people who drive, bike, walk and roll – but the work continues. Landscaping, striping and other updates are on the schedule.
Ribbon cutting ceremony.
NE corner of Wilson and 3rd facing south. The new concrete barrier surrounding cycles and pedestrians offers refuge from cars while waiting for the light.
NE corner facing west toward Wilson overpass. The space available along this section adjacent to Arby’s was very tight, but the city managed to fit it all in. Cyclists should wait within the solid green demarcated area to get picked up by radar and trigger the light.
NW corner facing east.
NW corner wide view of the intersection
Headed west toward 2nd and Wilson.
The intersection of 2nd and Wilson now has an island for southbound cycles and pedestrians. The bicycle crossing is unfinished as of 5/6/24. It’s unclear what the movement through this intersection allows. Heading east from Wilson bridge allows for a left turn onto 2nd for Northbound travel.
Approaching from the north on 2nd, the signage states right turn only but some cars will cheat and continue straight. Heading west from 3rd remains uncertain as to whether a left turn onto 2nd is legal. No bicycle paint across the intersection yet.
