In the planning since 2008, the North Bend Project to realign HWY 97 is finally coming to fruition with the purchase of property and a final design that would run Cooley Road under an elevated section of the highway.
Bob Townsend, representing ODOT, told the members the already over capacity highway is expected to see traffic increase by 50% in the next 20 years. With $133 million in hand, the department is proceeding with the movement east of the parkway. Cooley traffic will be able to go east and west but not turn directly on to the highway. North bound traffic on 97 will no longer have traffic signals to contend with.
As a prelude to work on the parkway, two roundabouts are to be constructed on HWY 20 at Robal and Cooley roads. They will be double wide features allowing for large truck traffic and trailers.
A recording of the presentation is posted here on Videos.