Bend, OR – Construction on Franklin Avenue, between Fourth and Eighth streets, will begin September 2 as part of a project aimed at improving safety for all users. To minimize traffic impacts, one direction of travel will remain open during the work.

Eastbound traffic on Franklin Avenue from Fourth Street to Eighth Street will be closed starting September 2, east of Third Street/Highway 97. Once construction on one side of the street is complete, the closure will switch to westbound traffic.

Drivers are encouraged to use Greenwood Avenue detours and allow extra travel time. Access to businesses in the area will remain open throughout construction.

Ahead of the project, the City of Bend hosted a Preconstruction Information Booth on August 25 at Juniper Park, where staff met with community members to explain project details and answer questions.

Planned improvements include replacing and widening sidewalks, enhancing shared use paths, and adding new crosswalks. City officials said these updates are intended to reduce conflict points, calm traffic, and create safer connections for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and trails.