Construction on a new pedestrian crossing of the North Unit Canal at Purcell Blvd. will begin this October. No pedestrian or bicycle traffic will be allowed on the bridge during construction, according to Linda Swearingen of the project. The construction is expected to be completed by May 2020.
For more information: Linda Swearingen 541-350-6012 or IIIswear@aol.com
Visit www.bendoregon.gov/Empire
A safer canal crossing was one of the BANA priorities submitted to the Bend City Council three years ago. It was bundled in the Empire Roundabout / Extension project. Engineers had to wait for the canal to be empty to begin the new bridge.
This should make walking safer for students at Ponderosa School and other walker and runners using Purcell Blvd.