Clayton Franke covers growth, development and transportation for
The ÅÝֱܽ²¥. A graduate of the University of Oregon's School of
Journalism and Communication, Clayton joined The ÅÝֱܽ²¥ in 2024.
He was born and raised in Missoula, Montana.Ìý
The public has a chance to weigh in on four designs in the running for the Hawthorne Avenue overcrossing project, a bridge that will carry pedestrians and cyclists over the railroad tracks and U.S. Highway 97 in midtown Bend.
During an open house at 5:30 p.m. on July 10, staff from the city of Bend will be in the Outpost Meeting Room at the Campfire Hotel, 721 NE Third St., to answer questions and provide information about the project.
An launched Tuesday and is available through July 16.
The new overpass must meet certain design standards for federal funding requirements, but public input will shape its appearance and cost.
Based on prior feedback, the city has already decided that the overpass, which will stretch from Hill Street to Second Street on Hawthorne Avenue, will have a straight alignment with long ramps at its approach — a concept more affordable and safer than an angled bridge, according to the city.
Now, Bend residents will help decide if the bridge will be supported by high towers and cables or smaller trusses and metal beams.
This concept shows a bridge with cables reaching to towers.Ìý Â
City of Bend
Depending on the design, cost could range from $27 million to $42 million.
Along with federal, state and city urban renewal funds, the Hawthorne overcrossing is funded with Bend’s $190 million transportation bond measure passed by voters in 2020.
The new bridge is part of a package of four bond-funded transportation projects, all in various phases of design, intended to improve mobility between east and west Bend for cyclists and pedestrians across the highway and railroad tracks.
This concept shows shows a bridge supported by cables attached to a single tower.Ìý
City of Bend
A construction start date for the Hawthorne overpass has not been set.
Clayton Franke covers growth, development and transportation for
The ÅÝֱܽ²¥. A graduate of the University of Oregon's School of
Journalism and Communication, Clayton joined The ÅÝֱܽ²¥ in 2024.
He was born and raised in Missoula, Montana.Ìý
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.