by Get ready for the next big change on Highway 97 in the north end of Bend this week. The new southbound lanes of the highway between Cooley Road and Empire Avenue will open Friday night, the Oregon Department of Transportation announced.
One thing drivers should know: If they want to access Cascade Village and the businesses in the north end of town from US 97 southbound, they will need to take Exit 134 (US 97 Business) at Grandview Avenue. This essentially puts drivers on what is now Highway 97.
If drivers go southbound via Exit 134, they will not have access to the commercial areas. Drivers who miss that exit will have to head to Butler Market Road and make a U-turn. ODOT is urging drivers not to make a U-turn on the highway if they miss the exit. Drivers were already doing so when the northbound bypass opened last month.
There will also be an on-ramp to the new US 97 heading south from Robal Lane, next to the shopping center where Chick-Fil-A, Ulta, Kefi, Chipotle and other businesses are located. Drivers who want to head north from that shopping area should take US 97 Business.
We remind you that drivers attempting to reach the northern shopping centers from Highway 97 northbound should take exit 135A and continue to either US 97 Business or Highway 20.
Motorists on Empire Avenue must go to the Third Street light to access U.S. 20 if they want to get to these commercial areas. A new ramp connecting Third Street directly to Business U.S. 97 is expected to open in August.
The changes are part of the Bend North Corridor project, which is expected to be completed by Christmas.
