TERREBONNE, OREGON – A significant US 97 Safety Overhaul is transforming a critical section of U.S. Highway 97 in Terrebonne, Oregon, promising enhanced safety and improved connectivity for the community and travelers alike. The extensive $39 million initiative, known as the US 97: Lower Bridge Way-NW 10th St project, undertaken by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), is currently creating significant traffic detours and congestion but is designed to address long-standing safety concerns and traffic flow issues as part of this vital US 97 Safety Overhaul.
Addressing a Highway Safety Deficit with the US 97 Safety Overhaul
The stretch of U.S. Highway 97 passing through Terrebonne has historically lacked features that naturally encourage drivers to reduce speed, contributing to a higher incidence of accidents. Data from the region has indicated crash rates with multiple vehicles, fatalities, and severe injuries, pointing to inherent issues within the highway’s engineering and design. This situation has been a critical concern for Terrebonne residents for years, particularly regarding safe access to and from the highway and the difficulty for local traffic to enter or cross the busy corridor. As traffic volumes on U.S. 97 have increased, the need for highway safety improvements became increasingly urgent. This comprehensive US 97 Safety Overhaul is a direct response to these persistent challenges.
Innovative Design for Enhanced Safety and Access
The US 97 Safety Overhaul’s centerpiece is the development of a new full-access diamond interchange at the intersection of U.S. 97 and Lower Bridge Way. This innovative design will feature a distinctive “dog bone” interchange, characterized by two adjacent bulbous terminals resembling roundabouts. This configuration is intended to improve traffic flow and accessibility, particularly for residents of areas like Crooked River Ranch who rely on this access point, without the need for traditional traffic signals. This Terrebonne highway project aims to revolutionize local access.
In addition to the interchange, the US 97 Safety Overhaul incorporates speed-lowering interventions. “Chicanes,” featuring islands that narrow the roadway and guide traffic through a curving path, are being installed at both the north and south ends of Terrebonne to physically discourage speeding and enhance driver awareness as they enter the community. These are key highway safety improvements.
The initiative also includes pavement preservation along U.S. 97 and significant improvements to Terrebonne’s local road network. This encompasses the reconstruction of 11th Street to include dedicated travel lanes, shoulders, bike lanes, and sidewalks, as well as widening Smith Rock Way and installing new pedestrian crossings and left-turn lanes. The goal is to ensure connectivity and safe passage for all users, including pedestrians and bicyclists, and to maintain U.S. 97’s function as a vital freight corridor. These ODOT projects are crucial for central Oregon infrastructure.
Current Disruptions and Project Timeline
Construction is actively underway, leading to widespread traffic detours and congestion. 11th Street is experiencing closures for underground utility work, with drivers advised to follow posted detour routes. The Lower Bridge Way intersection is currently limited to right-in, right-out movements, requiring specific detour paths for those needing to travel north on U.S. 97. The US 97 Safety Overhaul’s construction phase presents temporary challenges.
The project, which began construction in July 2024, is estimated to be completed by October 2026. While this marks a delay from some earlier projections, the Oregon Department of Transportation is working to finalize the extensive upgrades as part of the US 97 Safety Overhaul. Specific elements like the “dog bone” interchange construction are slated to commence in spring 2026.
A Safer Future for Terrebonne Thanks to the US 97 Safety Overhaul
This comprehensive US 97 Safety Overhaul represents a significant investment in the safety and functionality of the transportation network in central Oregon. While residents and commuters navigate the ongoing construction, the ultimate aim is to create a safer, more accessible, and efficient corridor for everyone who travels through Terrebonne. The improvements are expected to reduce crash incidents, enhance the quality of life for local residents, and ensure U.S. 97 remains a robust route for commerce and travel, allowing people to explore and enjoy the region with greater peace of mind. This news is a developing story, with ODOT providing regular updates on progress and impacts of the US 97 Safety Overhaul.
