Bend Implements New Traffic Measures to Enhance Safety and Efficiency

Bend, Oregon, is taking significant steps to improve traffic safety and efficiency through a series of new measures.

 

In early 2024, the Bend City Council approved the installation of red-light cameras at key intersections to deter speeding and reduce accidents. Police Chief Mike Krantz emphasized that the initiative aims to change driver behavior, not generate revenue. The first cameras are expected to be operational by late summer 2025.

 

Additionally, the city has updated its parking code to better manage curb usage and address modern needs. The revised code includes provisions such as requiring vehicles in alternative refueling spaces to be actively charging and prohibiting oversized commercial vehicles from parking in residential zones during certain hours. These changes are slated for implementation later in 2025.

 

To accommodate the anticipated population growth of approximately 40,000 residents over the next two decades, Bend is focusing on enhancing existing infrastructure. Plans include the Midtown Crossings Project, which aims to improve connectivity across U.S. Highway 97 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. This project features a pedestrian bridge on Hawthorne Avenue and upgrades to the Franklin Avenue underpass.

 

These initiatives reflect Bend's commitment to creating a safer and more efficient transportation environment for all residents and visitors.