Bend, Ore. – This past fall, the City of Bend began work on South Third Street between Wilson Avenue and Powers Road to enhance accessibility for everyone and to improve Bend’s overall transportation system.
This section of Third Street was prioritized by the City of Bend’s Accessibility Advisory Committee due to the lack of existing sidewalk and curb ramps. The project will rebuild pedestrian facilities where curb ramps are currently not compliant with the ADA standards.
Additionally, the City will replace storm water catch basins in the bike lane with curb-inlet catch basins, an example of how City departments have coordinated a variety of needed infrastructure improvements to minimize cost and disturbances to the public.
Construction of the project paused for the winter months, but is tentatively scheduled to restart this week with an anticipated project completion date in July, 2017. Pausing over the winter was determined to be the most efficient due to winter weather.
Once complete, the South Third Street Pedestrian Improvement Project will provide a continuous pedestrian corridor along this section of South Third Street. It will:
· Bring curb ramps, sidewalks and bus stops into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
· Enhance safety and walkability
· Improve bike lanes
· Replace substandard infrastructure
For project and schedule updates and more information: www.bendoregon.gov/thirdstreetsidewalks
