• Aune Safety and Connectivity Project

    Aune Safety and Connectivity Project

    Online Open House

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  • Welcome!

  • Welcome to the open house for the Aune Safety and Connectivity Project.

    In this online open house you can:

    • Learn about proposed mobility and safety improvements in this area.
    • Provide feedback on concepts for:
      • Aune Street and connecting streets
      • Third Street Shared Use Path
      • Miller Avenue and Third Street intersection
      • Burnside Avenue and Third Street pedestrian crossings

  • Future private development will be building roadway improvements between the Aune undercrossing of the Bend Parkway and Bond Street, improving both Scalehouse Loop and Industrial Way.

  • To record your responses, be sure to click or tap the “Submit” button at the end.

  • Background

  • Located at the geographic heart of Bend, this area is missing critical east-west connections for all modes of transportation. With increasing traffic volumes and new mixed-use developments coming soon, improvements are essential. By implementing complete street connections and safety improvements, the project will make driving safer, walking and biking more comfortable, and strengthen connections between the Old Mill District and east Bend.

    This open house presents several project options to help create a more connected network for east-west travel.

  • Project Benefits

    This project is part of the City of Bend’s continuing work to improve safety, connectivity and access for people walking, biking and driving as our community grows. With these goals in mind, the City is exploring different ways to improve several intersections and streets at the southern end of Bend’s Core Area.

    If approved, these upgrades will:

    Reduce vehicle conflict points.
    Enhance accessibility for all users to support east-west connectivity.
    Connect this area to the existing grid of walkable streets.
    Enhance crossing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
    Reduce level of stress on key routes for cyclists and pedestrians.
    Provide a complete street for travel for improved mobility between Bond Street and 3rd Street.

    Note: Future private development will be building roadway improvements between the Aune undercrossing of the Bend Parkway and Bond Street, improving both Scalehouse Loop and Industrial Way.

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    Map of Bend's Core Area.

  • Project Timeline

    Summer 2024: Feasibility Study completed.

    Spring 2025: Project design begins.

    September 2025: Public Open House: Help us select the improvements that work best for the community.

    Fall-Winter 2025: Design.

    Winter 2025: Online Public Open House: We will share details on the chosen design.

    Winter-Summer 2026: Final design, including permitting and acquiring right-of-way.

    Summer 2026: Pre-construction Open House: Learn about the construction schedule and detour routes.

    Fall 2026: Anticipated start of construction.

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  • Project Area Map

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  • Questions

  • To record your responses, be sure to click or tap the “Submit” at the end.

  • Aune Street Improvements

  • Aune Street is an important crossing under the Parkway, though not heavily used today. The railroad owns property within the undercrossing, limiting the area for public improvements, such as sidewalks.

    With this considered, we created a design for Aune Street that will give people biking, walking and rolling space away from cars, and give cars a clearer route. Further approvals will be required from the railroad.

  • View of current Aune Street and undercrossing.

  • The Improvements

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    The new design for Aune Street includes:

    • One 8 to 10 and a half-foot shared use path on the north side.
    • Two 12-foot travel lanes for vehicles and bicycles (sharrows — shared lane marking).
    • One 6 and a half-foot sidewalk on the south side.

    As part of the biking key route network this shared use path will be extended throughout this project on Scott Street, Second Street, and Third Street. Keep reading for details.

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  • Aune Street and Scott Street Intersection Improvements

    Several options were considered to better connect this area and provide the appropriate biking and walking space. Consideration of available right of way and adjacent structures was considered in developing the safest option. You can learn more about the previous study where we considered alternatives.

  • The new design at the intersection of Aune Street with Scott Street will include:

    • A safe crossing with pedestrian refuge across Scott Street, including connections to the key route shared use path.
    • Enhanced striping and signage to cross Aune Street.
    • Aune Street will have a stop sign, and Scott Street is free flow traffic (ie. no stop sign).
    • A dedicated left turn lane from Aune Street to Scott Street northbound, improving access and safety.

  • Current condition at intersection of Aune Street and Scott Street

  • Scott Street from Aune Street to Second and Third streets

    A new shared use path on the northeast side of Scott Street, will support connections between Aune Street and the new Third Street path (off of Railroad Street). This provides a continuous path of travel for Key Route 7. The existing bike lane will be removed to make space for the shared use path but the southbound protected bike lane on Second Street will remain.

    The new design will include:

    • A shared use path on Scott Street, extending from Aune Street to the Third Street shared use path.
    • Marked on-street parking on the south side with a sidewalk between Second and Third streets.
    • Crosswalks at Second Street and Railroad Street that create a continuous Key Route 7.

    View of intersection at Scott Street and Second Street

  • Third Street and Miller Avenue Intersection Improvements

    Several safety and connectivity needs have been identified at Third Street and Miller Avenue intersection that are essential for supporting safe and efficient mobility now and in the future. Needs include safety concerns for people crossing Third Street, as well as vehicles turning to and from Third Street and Miller Avenue.

    The Transportation System Plan also identifies east to west movement across the intersection as part of the bicycle Low Stress Network, meaning crossing safety is an emphasized need along this busy corridor.

    Current Miller Avenue intersection with Third Street.

    From 2017 – 2021, SE Third Street & SE Miller Avenue had 15 total crashes, 9 of which resulted in an injury or fatality.

  • Option 1: Two lanes with stop sign on Miller Avenue

    The first option keeps a stop sign on Miller Avenue and reduces the number of lanes on Third Street to make it safer to cross. This option would allow for phasing into a signalized intersection (option 2) when future demand increases.

    Vehicle Improvements:

    • By reducing to one lane in each direction and adding a center left turn lane heading north, it will be easier to merge with traffic on Third Street.
    • Third Street median restricts Davis Lane to a right-in/right-out. Southbound left turns would be restricted, which reduces conflict points and allows for a pedestrian refuge island.

    Bike and Pedestrian Improvements:

    • A center median on the north side of Third Street to provide a pedestrian refuge while crossing.

    Considerations:

    • No marked crosswalk on the south side of the intersection.
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  • Option 2: Two lanes with signal

    Similar to Option 1 but with traffic signals added to Miller Avenue and Third Streets.

    Vehicle Improvements:

    • Adds a traffic signal to improve safety, reduce crashes, and provide phase for pedestrian crossings.
    • One northbound and one southbound lane, with a left turn lane for northbound and southbound vehicles.

    Bike and Pedestrian Improvements:

    • Crosswalks on Third Street on the north and south side of the intersection with a signalized phase for crossings.
    • Crosswalk on Miller Street on the east and west side of the intersection.
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  • Option 3: Four lanes with signal

    The third option maintains four travel lanes, two in each direction (until the undercrossing) and adds a traffic signal.

    Vehicle Improvements:

    • Adds a traffic signal, to improve safety and reduce crashes.
    • Keeps the northbound and southbound center left turn lane.
    • Adds a median to the north side of Third Street to restrict Davis Avenue to a southbound left in, right-in/right-out.

    Bike and Pedestrian Improvements:

    • Crosswalk for Third Street on the north and south side of the intersection.
    • Crosswalk on Miller Street on the east and west side of the intersection.

    Considerations:

    • Crossing distances are the longest with this option.
    • Requires less curb reconstruction than the other options.
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  • Comparison of roadway options for lanes, stop control, safety, and impacts
    Key considerations Option 1:
    2 Lanes with Stop Sign on Miller    		 Option 2:
    2 lanes with Signal    		 Option 3:
    4 lanes with Signal
    Lanes 2 lanes 2 lanes 4 lanes
    Stop control Stop sign on Miller Signal Signal
    Crossing and merging safety • Center median for pedestrian refuge
    • Shorter crossing distance    		 • Traffic signal
    • Center median for pedestrian refuge
    • Shorter crossing distance    		 • Traffic signal
    • Longest crossing distance
    Meets traffic capacity needs Next 0–5 years Next 10–15 years For more than 20 years
    Bike connectivity on Miller Ave., Third St. to Second St. Shared use path on north side, bike lane and sidewalk on south.
    Does not require rebuilding curbs.    		 Shared use path on north side with bike lane and sidewalk on south or sidewalk and bike lane on both sides. Shared use path on north side with bike lane and sidewalk on south or sidewalk and bike lane on both sides.
    ROW Impacts Likely needed on intersection corners Likely needed on intersection corners for signal poles and equipment Likely needed on intersection corners for signal poles and equipment

  • Questions

  • Miller Avenue between Second Street and Third Street

    There are two options for how we improve the block of Miller Avenue between Second Street and Third Street to support the new intersection treatments and increase access for people biking the low stress network.

    Option 1: Shared use path and sidewalks

    • Option 1 includes a shared use path on the north side of Miller Avenue.
    • The south side of the street would have a buffered bike lane and a sidewalk.
    • Would not require rebuilding the existing curb.
    • May need additional signage for bicyclists since the path is less intuitive.
    • This design is compatible with any of the Miller Avenue and Third Street intersections.
    • This design with a shared use path and buffered bike lane with a sidewalk would continue east of Third Street for one block to Heyburn Street.
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    Option 2: Bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides

    • New buffered bike lanes would be added to both sides of the street.
    • Sidewalks would be moved back to make room.
    • This option is more intuitive for bicyclists.
    • Requires rebuilding the curbs on both sides of the street to allow more space for the bike lanes, buffer, parking, and curb extensions.
    • Parking would be next to the curb line, outside of the bike lane.
    • This option is only compatible with options 2 and 3 for the Miller Avenue and Third Street intersection.
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  • Questions

  • To record your responses, be sure to click or tap the “Submit” at the end.

  • Third Street Shared Use Path

    This section of Third Street between Burnside and Miller is part of Bend’s key biking route and low stress network. The existing bike lanes aren’t separated from car traffic and can make riding through the tunnel feel uncomfortable.

    Improvements include a shared-use path along Third Street to improve safety for people biking, walking or rolling. The railroad bridge cannot be changed, so the path through the tunnel will remain the same width. These changes will make it easier to access the tunnel and allow non-motorized travelers to avoid this narrow section.

  • Shared-use path

    A shared-use path on the west side of Third Street was chosen over the east side of the street because:

    • The west side of Third Street has more useable right of way space (there are more private parking lots and driveways on the east side).
    • It provides a direct connection to the low stress network on Scott Street, without having to ride down to Miller Avenue.
    • It provides north south connectivity from this area to the proposed protected crossing at Burnside Avenue.

  • Exisiting sidewalk on west side of Third Street, near undercrossing

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  • South of undercrossing

    In the southern section, from Davis Avenue to the undercrossing, we will:

    • Remove the old sidewalk and rebuild the path to 10 feet wide.
    • The hillside behind the sidewalk will be excavated to extend the path west (keeping the street side of the path where it is now).
    • Add crosswalks on Railroad Street (next to Third Street), to better connect from Scott Street.
    • Install curb ramps at the Davis Street and Scott Street intersections.
    • New handrails will be installed approaching the undercrossing, in the same location.

  • North of undercrossing

    From north of the undercrossing to Burnside Avenue we will continue the 10-foot shared use path for connected travel on the key route through this area.

    We will keep the front side of the path where it is and extend the path back into the rock hillside:

    • This can be done by cutting out a square piece of rock and building a new retaining wall at the back.
    • Or we can cut the rock wall at a slope of 2:1, which would not need a retaining wall built.

    Undercrossing tunnel will stay 4 to 5 feet wide.

    • This crossing will change when the bridge reaches the end of its usable life and BNSF replaces it.
    • This is an ideal project to add to Bend’s long range transportation plan.

  • These changes will have minimal right-of-way impacts for temporary access and construction easements. We will consider cost, utility impacts, and engineering feasibility in selecting the best option to achieve the outcome of improving this path along Third Street.

  • Questions

  • To record your responses, be sure to click or tap the “Submit” at the end.

  • Third Street and Burnside Avenue Intersection Improvements

  • The overlapping walking and biking key route for this project extends along Third Street, from Scott Street to Burnside Avenue. The project includes shared use path improvements on the west side of Third Street requiring a safe crossing of Third Street at Burnside Avenue, in order to continue west.

    We are considering two options to provide a safe crossing at Burnside Avenue and Third Street.

  • Option 1: South Side Crossing

    • Adds a crossing on the south side of the intersection.
    • Median provides a pedestrian refuge and reduces the number of lanes a pedestrian needs to cross at one time.
    • Curb extensions reduce crossing distances and increase visibility.
    • Bicyclists could utilize bike ramps onto the sidewalk area to cross at the marked crossing location at a pedestrian speed.
    • Restricts left turns northbound from Third Street to Burnside Avenue.
    • Allows southbound traffic to access Burnside Avenue.

    Challenges include:

    • The transition from 5 lanes to 3 lanes just north of the intersection, and limited sight distance for northbound drivers coming out of the undercrossing can reduce drivers’ awareness of pedestrians when approaching this intersection.
    • A single crossing on the south side of the intersection may not be intuitive for all people needing to cross Third Street.
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  • Option 2: Full modal-filter

    • Installs a full center median on Third Street north-south through the intersection with crosswalks on the north and the south sides.
    • Median provides a pedestrian refuge and reduces the number of lanes a pedestrian needs to cross at one time.
    • Curb extensions reduce crossing distances and increase visibility.
    • Moves southbound merge farther north between Dekalb Avenue and Clay Avenue.
    • Moves development of second northbound lane farther north between Clay Avenue and Dekalb Avenue.
    • Median restricts left turn vehicle movements at the intersection, reducing the number of vehicles crossing the pedestrian path.
    • People walking or biking can cross Third Street on Burnside Avenue, but cars cannot.
    • Curb ramps on all corners will allow people on wheels to cross on each side.
    • This option is more intuitive for bike travel, and easier for people walking or using a mobility device, as they wouldn’t need to cross Burnside first before crossing 3rd when coming from the east.

    Challenges include:

    • Southbound vehicles would turn left at Clay Avenue to access destinations on Burnside. Northbound vehicles would turn left on Dekalb Avenue to access destinations on Burnside.
    • Requires additional stormwater upgrades.
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  • Questions

  • To record your responses, be sure to click or tap the “Submit” at the end.

  • Next Steps

    Thank you for participating in this online open house.

    Your feedback will help us confirm that we are moving in the right direction for this work. 

    Sign up for project emails to stay in touch and learn more as we move forward.

  • To record your responses, be sure to click or tap the “Submit” button below.

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