Road work on the north end of town has seen the Empire Corridor Improvements project undergoing work for the past year, with the first phase of the project already complete and Phase 2 well underway. The latest step in the project is the upcoming closure of the canal bridge on Purcell Boulevard, which will run from February 17 through April 30.

The City of Bend is hosting a series of open houses this month to address any concerns. Here’s the release about this stage of the project with the open house schedule:

The Purcell Boulevard Bridge that crosses the North Unit Irrigation District main canal north of NE Butler Market Road and south of Empire Avenue will be closed for two and a half months starting February 17.

The bridge closure will extend from February 17 through April 30 and is necessary to allow for bridge widening and other necessary improvements (weather permitting).

Pedestrian and bicycle traffic in this area will also be affected by the total bridge closure.

Members of the community who want to learn more about the bridge closure and other road improvements in the area are invited to attend any one of these open houses:

• Wednesday, February 5, 4:30-6 p.m.
  Trinity Lutheran School, 2550 NE Butler Market Road
• Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m.
  Elks Lodge, 63120 Boyd Acres Road
• Monday, Feb. 17, 4:30 p.m.
  Trinity Lutheran School, 2550 NE Butler Market Road
• Monday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m.
  Higher Ground Common House, 2558 NE Daggett Lane

Detour routes for people who drive, ride bikes and walk will be shown at www.bendoregon.gov/empire.

The Empire Corridor Improvements is a priority project that greatly improves safety, transportation options, access, and connectivity for the neighborhood and the traveling public. The first phase of work has been completed and the second phase is underway: The second phase of this project is underway. Empire is being extended from Purcell and will tie into the intersection of NE 27th St and NE Butler Market Rd, with a new two-lane roundabout. The Empire extension and 27th St/Butler Market roundabout are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020.

For more information go to www.bendoregon.gov/empire or call the Construction Hotline: 541-200-6979.

Pay attention to the detour routes and try to avoid cutting through neighborhoods and adding congestion.