BEND, Ore. — A significant portion of Bend residents are voicing their disapproval of the Greenwood Avenue Quick Build Project, also known as the “Greenwood Road Diet,” according to results from a recent public survey. The project, which reconfigured Greenwood Avenue from a four-lane to a three-lane road between Third Street and Hill Street, aimed to improve safety and accessibility by adding new crosswalks, buffered bike lanes, and increased ADA parking spaces.
However, the changes have not been well received by many in the community. The City of Bend released the findings of a public survey conducted between August 19, 2024, and January 31, 2025. Nearly 1,600 individuals participated in the survey, which asked respondents to rate the project on a scale of one to five stars, evaluate its effectiveness for different types of users, and assess its impact on travel time.
The results revealed a clear divide, with 63% of participants expressing negative feedback, an increase from 57% in December 2024. Those who approved of the project dropped to 32%, a decrease of five percentage points compared to the previous month. The remaining 5% of respondents remained neutral on the changes.
A total of 543 comments criticized the project’s implementation, with many drivers expressing frustration over reduced road capacity and longer travel times. In contrast, 466 comments were generally positive, with supporters citing improvements for cyclists, pedestrians, and individuals with disabilities.
One aspect of the project that has garnered attention is the reduction in traffic collisions along the corridor. The city reported that the area saw 25 crashes during the five-month period covered by the survey, a decrease from 32 crashes during the same timeframe in the previous year. This reduction in accidents, while relatively modest, is seen as a positive outcome by some advocates of the changes.
However, the project’s impact on traffic congestion has been a key point of contention. Drivers have been using Greenwood Avenue as a detour due to other ongoing construction projects, particularly the closure of the Wall Street and Portland Avenue intersection. This detour has only heightened frustrations for those already displeased with the road diet.
Despite the divided opinion, the project is expected to continue through August 2025, at which point the Bend City Council will review the results of the public feedback and decide whether to make the changes permanent.
As the city continues to collect input from residents, it remains to be seen whether the road diet will survive or if modifications will be made to address the concerns of dissatisfied drivers. The ongoing debate highlights the broader conversation surrounding urban planning, safety, and the balance between accommodating various modes of transportation in an ever-evolving city.
