• South Century Drive

    South Century Drive

    Sunriver Corridor Intersection Improvements

  • Welcome!

  • Deschutes County is exploring options to address congestion and safety concerns on South Century Drive as part of the ongoing South Century Drive: Sunriver Corridor Intersection Improvements project.

    This is the second Online Open House being hosted as part of this project. During the first Online Open House in May 2025, we gathered valuable feedback from members of the public that helped us to refine the improvement concepts at the intersections of South Century Drive with Spring River Road and Venture Lane.

    This online open house will give you an update on proposed improvement options for the Venture Lane and Spring River Road intersections.

    On the following pages, you can:

    • Review the updated intersection design for Spring River Road

    • Review two updated options for the intersection at Venture Lane

    • Learn about bike and pedestrian improvements near the Venture Lane business park area which are planned as part of the project

    • Provide feedback to Deschutes County on these project concepts!

  • Project area map

    Click the image to enlarge in a new tab.

  • Your opinion matters – let us know what you think! Weigh in now – this online event closes on January 5, 2026.

     

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

  • Project Overview

  • Deschutes County is improving three key intersections along South Century Drive, a vital roadway serving Sunriver and outlying communities. These improvements are focused on enhancing traffic flow and safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

    The project includes upgrades to the intersections at Spring River Road, Venture Lane, and Huntington Road. These upgrades include new roundabouts in addition to traffic signs, pavement markings, and pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements.

  • Construction of S Century Dr/Huntington Rd Roundabout, November 2025

  • Construction is now underway at the Huntington Road intersection and will be complete by early summer of 2026. We are still refining updates to the Venture and Spring River intersections, with the goal of making a final decision and advancing to design by spring 2026 for both locations.

  • How we got here

    In 2023, Deschutes County adopted their 2020-2040 Transportation System Plan (TSP) based on input from the community. The TSP identified the intersections of South Century Drive with Huntington Road and Spring River Road as High-Priority Projects and Venture Lane as a Medium Priority Project. The County’s 2019 Transportation Safety Action Plan (TSAP) identified the Huntington Road intersection as a priority for safety improvements.

    Here’s a bit more on why these updates are needed:

    Spring River Rd:

    • Crashes are prevalent at this location based on available reported crash data.
    • A peak-hour traffic study of the existing intersection showed that this location is reaching its capacity limit for both current and future vehicle demand
    • The intersection was identified as a priority safety location in the 2025 TSAP Update which was informed by community input.

    Venture Ln:

    • This intersection is also reaching its capacity limit for both current and future vehicle demand, and if it is not addressed, congestion will increase.
    • There are circulation concerns that creates congestion and confusion for drivers.
    • High traffic levels combined with school buses near the Three Rivers School overwhelm the current intersection during drop-off and pick-up times, resulting in significant congestion and delay.

    By bundling these projects together, we are saving time and money while ensuring comprehensive improvements across the corridor.

  • We’re working closely with local entities, including the Sunriver Owners Association and Sunriver Resort, to ensure these projects meet community needs.

    In May 2025, we hosted the first Online Open House, which showcased several conceptual alternatives (two for Spring River Rd and four for Venture Ln). We presented these options to the community and gathered feedback which informed many refinements to the concepts. The options shown in this Online Open House have been adjusted to better address community needs.

  • Funding

    Deschutes County has obligated a total of $10.3 million of County road funds for the improvements.

  • Project Timeline

  • Click the image to enlarge in a new tab.

  • Spring River Road

  • For the Spring River Road intersection, we have refined the design of the Centered Roundabout alternative to balance impacts to private property and nearby utilities.

    Last spring we asked for public feedback on two options for this location. Over 150 people weighed in (over 60% of the open house participants) and told us that a centered Roundabout option meets the community’s needs. We have refined the preferred design to move as far away from the nearby residences as possible without major impacts to critical utilities on the south side of the road.

    The following is an updated design based on feedback, technical considerations, and physical constraints at this intersection.

  • Roundabouts reduce the number of conflict points (places where collisions could occur), encourage lower speeds and reduce risk of high-severity crashes, such as t-bone and head-on collisions. They have also been shown to have an 82% reduction in total crashes, and a 100% reduction in fatal/serious injury crashes, when compared to intersections with traffic signals or all-way stop signs.

  • Updated Recommended Option

    updated recommended centered roundabout option

    Click the image to enlarge in a new tab.

  • Key Elements:

    This design was revised to identify a roundabout location that meets the needs of all intersection users and is minimally invasive to nearby residents and utilities.

    • Estimated construction cost: $2.9M
    • The design is intuitive, with standard entry and exit points
    • Addresses existing sight distance issues, making it easier to see cars, bikes and pedestrians moving through the intersection.
    • Avoids significant utility relocations that would be a County expense and extend construction duration.
    • Bicycle and pedestrian users will have a multiuse path around the roundabout.
    • Minimizes impacts to adjacent private property.
      • The estimated permanent Right-of-Way needed is approximately 0.8 acres.
      • The estimated temporary easement area needed during construction to keep traffic moving is approximately 0.5 acres.
    • Screening berms will be added as a buffer between the roundabout and the residences to block headlights and create a barrier between nearby homes and the roadway.
    • Reduces impact to native landscape and established trees.

  • Construction

    Construction is anticipated to begin January 2027. Traffic flow will be maintained in all directions during construction by constructing temporary detour roads around project work.

  • Question

  • Venture Lane

  • For the Venture Lane intersection, we have two options that were the most preferred based on feedback received from the public and community stakeholders.

  • In the Spring 2025 open house, participants showed preference for the ‘barbell’ and ‘single roundabout with a turn-lane’ options because they prioritized bike and pedestrian safety, supported access to the business park and were simpler or more intuitive options.

    Based on that input, we have added enhanced pedestrian crossings to the conceptual designs and need community input on which design will best meet the long-term needs of the community.

  • Enhanced pedestrian crossing with RRFBs at US20/Cook Ave Roundabout in Tumalo.

  • Updated Option 1: Barbell (Double Roundabout)

  • This design includes two roundabouts to allow for safer north-south travel along South Century Drive, easier access into the Business Park at two access points and three pedestrian and bicycle crossings along South Century Drive at different locations to provide multiple crossing options for bikes and pedestrians.

    This option also includes enhanced crossings with pedestrian push buttons and rapid flashing beacons to help build awareness to drivers when a pedestrian would like to cross.

  • updated barbell roundabout option

    Click the image to enlarge in a new tab.

  • Use the image slider below to see the proposed roundabout (image to the right) and the current streetview (image to the left).

  • Updated Option 2: Single Roundabout with Turn Lane

  • The main distinguishing element of this option is that it includes one roundabout, making traveling through the intersection along South Century Drive simpler. This design also includes two pedestrian and bicycle crossings at different locations. However, southbound traffic trying to access the Business Park via the left turn lane at the south entry point would be required to yield to traffic and cross over the northbound lane, which would create additional conflict points.

    This option includes two marked pedestrian crossings with a rapid flashing beacon light, similar to the barbell option shown above, to alert drivers at the north crossing option.

  • updated single roundabout with turn lane option

    Click the image to enlarge in a new tab.

  • Use the image slider below to see the proposed roundabout (image to the right) and the current streetview (image to the left).

  • Construction

    Construction is anticipated to begin January 2027. Traffic will continue in both directions during construction, including into the business park, however road users should expect rerouting and delays. A temporary signal will be installed with both options while the existing signal is decommissioned and the new roundabout is being built.

  • Key Elements:

    Legend
    🟢
    Preferred
    🟡
    Neutral
    🔴
    Not Preferred
    🟢
    Updated Option 1: Barbell (Double Roundabout)
    This option is a better long-term solution as it can accommodate more vehicles, which will better address long-term growing demands on this road.
    🔴
    Updated Option 2: Single Roundabout with Turn Lane
    This option addresses the safety and capacity needs for current traffic levels. Long-term, this option may need additional improvements or a second roundabout to address forecasted vehicle demands on this road.
    🟡
    Updated Option 1: Barbell (Double Roundabout)
    Estimated construction cost: $4.6M.
    🟡
    Updated Option 2: Single Roundabout with Turn Lane
    Estimated construction cost: $4.3M
    🟡
    Updated Option 1: Barbell (Double Roundabout)
    There is a speed reduction for vehicles approaching and travelling through the roundabouts, which will also help drivers to see and stop for pedestrians as they approach crossings.
    🟡
    Updated Option 2: Single Roundabout with Turn Lane
    There is a speed reduction for vehicles approaching and travelling through the roundabout, which will also help drivers to see and stop for pedestrians as they approach crossings.
    🟡
    Updated Option 1: Barbell (Double Roundabout)
    Bicycle users and pedestrians will have a multiuse path so that they have a safe off-street option to go through the roundabouts and connections to the Business Park and trail into Sunriver.
    🟡
    Updated Option 2: Single Roundabout with Turn Lane
    Bicycle users and pedestrians will have a multiuse path so that they have a safe off-street option to navigate the roundabouts and connections to the Business Park and trail into Sunriver.
    🟢
    Updated Option 1: Barbell (Double Roundabout)
    This option includes 3 marked crosswalks for people to cross South Century Drive, providing more options, including enhanced crossings with pedestrian push buttons and rapid flashing beacons. (Learn more about the benefits of rapid flashing beacons on the next page.)
    🔴
    Updated Option 2: Single Roundabout with Turn Lane
    This option includes 2 marked pedestrian crossings with a rapid flashing beacon light to alert drivers at the north crossing option. A more southern pedestrian crossing is not possible because it’s not a safe or intuitive place for a crossing. (Learn more about the benefits of rapid flashing beacons on the next page.)
    🟢
    Updated Option 1: Barbell (Double Roundabout)
    This option includes 2 access points into the Business Park. All business driveways will be reconnected.
    🔴
    Updated Option 2: Single Roundabout with Turn Lane
    Direct access to Business Park with minimal out-of-direction travel, however the southbound left into the Business Park will need to yield to on-coming traffic. All business driveways will be reconnected.
    🟢
    Updated Option 1: Barbell (Double Roundabout)
    A temporary road will be constructed to keep traffic moving during construction, which can be located between South Century Drive and Venture Lane utilizing this unused space.
    🔴
    Updated Option 2: Single Roundabout with Turn Lane
    Expected construction duration will be shorter than alternative 1, but the temporary detour road must be constructed west of South Century – causing long-term impacts to the native landscaping and significant tree removal.
    🟡
    Updated Option 1: Barbell (Double Roundabout)
    This includes simple access to Three Rivers School.
    🟡
    Updated Option 2: Single Roundabout with Turn Lane
    This includes simple access to Three Rivers School.
    🔴
    Updated Option 1: Barbell (Double Roundabout)
    The estimated permanent Right-of-Way needed is approximately 2 acres. The estimated temporary easement area needed is approximately 0.6 acres.
    🟢
    Updated Option 2: Single Roundabout with Turn Lane
    This option requires less permanent right-of-way space, at approximately 1.1 acres. However, it requires more temporary easement area at approximately 1 acres for the temporary detour.

  • Questions

  • Bike and Pedestrian Improvements

  • Both intersections will include safe pedestrian options including at-grade enhanced crossings and improved signage and striping to make it easier for people to walk and bike in this area. Crossing enhancements include the addition of pedestrian push button-actuated Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at all crossings along S Century Drive.

  • Bike and Pedestrian Improvements Update

    Improvements at both intersections include at-grade (street-level) crossings that:

    • Make bicyclists and pedestrians more visible to drivers
    • Reduce the number of conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians
    • Creates two-stage crossings giving pedestrians a refuge at the midpoint, rather than a longer crossing distance
    • Reduce driver speeds

  • Learn more about RRFB enhanced crossing at a roundabout

    • Learn about how and why roundabouts can be safer for pedestrians  

    • Data shows that roundabouts can be safer than signalized intersections for several reasons, including:

      There are fewer conflict points with roundabouts.

      • Roundabout: A conflict between a vehicle and a pedestrian can only come from an approaching vehicle.
      • Traffic Signal: Conflict points could include approaching vehicles from both directions and turning movements.

      The crossing distance is typically less with roundabouts.

      • Roundabout: distance from curb to curb is limited to either the approach or exit lanes, typically not wider than 25 feet.
      • Traffic Signal: existing crossing on north side of S Century Drive is 55 feet.

      Vehicle speeds are slower with roundabouts.

      • Roundabout: the shape and nature of roundabouts typically requires drivers to reduce their speed when approaching the roundabout.
      • Traffic Signal: Reducing vehicle speeds is left up to the driver’s response to the light signal color.
    •  

    • Additional Bike and Pedestrian Improvements

      Improved Connections to Sunriver

      It’s also a priority to make it easier for people to walk and bike from Sunriver Village and residences within the resort to the businesses and school at this intersection. In the previous open house, we heard that users want a pedestrian and bike path connecting Sunriver Village and residences within the resort to the businesses and school at this intersection that doesn’t require conflict with vehicles.

      The County is committed to improving an existing route and making additional improvements to make it easier and safer for people to get around by walking or biking. Part of this includes making it easier for people to access the existing grade-separated crossing under the bridge just east of the Abbot roundabout. These updates will include improvements to the existing grade separated crossing and multi-use path that offer a more direct route to Sunriver Village.  These improvements will be installed prior to construction to ensure that pedestrians and bicycles have a marked, safer route.

      Check out the proposed new improvements on the map.

    • Map legend
       
      Proposed low-cost multimodal improvements
       
      Existing shared-use paths/trails
       
      Install green pavement markings
       
      To be reconstructed/improved
       
      Current undercrossing

    • View a PDF map with improvements (1.1 MB)

    • Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)

      To support the high number of people walking and biking through the Venture Lane intersection, we’re adding extra safety features to make crossings more visible and predictable. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) will be installed at key crosswalks. These flashing beacons improve safety in several ways:

      • Easily activated with push-button adjacent to crosswalk
      • Shown to reduce incidents between vehicles and pedestrians by 47% per Federal Highway Administration findings
      • Significant increase in driver compliance to yield and stop when the beacons are activated
      • Increased visibility for crosswalk users, especially at night or in poor weather
      • Traffic only stops when activated and provides clear communication to approaching drivers when to stop
      • ADA accessible for all users
      • Modest cost investment compared to other options
      • Ideal for midblock and roundabout crossings as they keep traffic moving until activated

    • Consideration of an Additional S Century Drive Pedestrian Undercrossing at Venture Lane

      We also looked at how feasible it would be to include a pedestrian undercrossing at this location. We found that it has significant challenges, including:

      • Shallow Groundwater Depth: Groundwater levels are higher than the required depth of the undercrossing tunnel (15 feet below road surface). This condition will require continuous year-round pumping, watertight construction, and wall drainage systems—resulting in significant additional costs and long-term maintenance needs.
      • Stormwater and Snowmelt: In addition to pumping groundwater, a system would be needed to pump stormwater to dispose of rainfall and snowmelt accumulation in the undercrossing. This system would be separated from the groundwater system and may require a heating element to ensure sustained drainage during winter months.
      • Requires relocation of existing utilities due to depth constraints: The depth of the existing 6" steel gas line and fiber optic utilities will need to be adjusted to meet minimum cover requirements within the new roadway, ensuring adequate vertical clearance over the shared-use path leading to the undercrossing. There are also existing utilities outside of the right-of-way that need to be relocated.
      • Significant retaining walls required: The flat topography presents a design challenge for the crossing. To achieve adequate vertical clearance for bicycles, the path will need to be approximately 15 feet below grade. This depth will require steep side slopes or retaining walls along the trail, resulting in an enclosed environment with limited visibility.
      • Significant out-of-direction travel: To comply with accessibility standards, which specify a maximum slope of 5%, the undercrossing route must be significantly longer than the at-grade route. As a result, the undercrossing adds at least 250 feet to the total walking distance for users.
      • Why This Is Different from Tunnels in Sunriver Village: As an agency managing public roads, Deschutes County is legally subject to the requirements of the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), which defines maximum grades and specific geometry considerations required to ensure that facilities are accessible for persons with disabilities. Accordingly, the geometry of the tunnel would be vastly different from that of Sunriver Village.
      • User Experience: Given the required geometry, the tunnel would likely feel very constrained for pedestrian and bicycle users. To meet ADA requirements, each end would require long (~300ft) ramp approaches with retaining walls and a total depth of about 15 feet below the roadway surface, leading to uninviting user experience and potential public safety issues.
      • Difficult construction staging: A primary goal of the project is to maintain traffic flow throughout construction. However, the excavation required for the undercrossing would constrain options for placing temporary roadways to accommodate traffic. This limitation could result in greater temporary impacts to adjacent properties and substantially increase overall project costs.
      • High construction cost and ongoing maintenance: The undercrossing is expected to add approximately $3.7 million to $4.2 million to the overall project cost—an increase not accounted for in the County’s Capital Improvement Plan. In addition, the undercrossing will incur ongoing operational expense, as mentioned above. In lieu of this large expenditure, the County would prefer to invest funding in maintaining/improving the existing multi-use path and undercrossing connection to Sunriver Village.

      Due to these challenges, we have ruled out constructing an additional pedestrian undercrossing as part of this project.

    • Question

  • Next Steps

  • Thank you for participating this online open house!

    Your feedback will help us confirm final refinements for the Venture and Spring River intersections improvements.

    The next step for this project is to advance a preferred alternative to design.

  • Tell us more about you!

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

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