The Bend Parkway is a 6.9 mile long, four-lane limited access facility that is on the rerouted length of US 97 in Bend, OR. The Bend Parkway was constructed in sections from 1996-2002. The northern half of the parkway only has grade separated interchanges while right in/right out intersections start to appear in the middle and finally there are two signalized intersections at the end. Transportation officials like to claim that it is not a freeway due to its speed limit of 45 mph (Oregon has a 55 mph speed limit for non-interstate highways.) An intergovernmental agreement was signed which recognizes that ODOT will close or restrict public road connections if they affect the safety or function of the parkway. The entire length of the parkway might become limited access in the future which would make it much more free flowing and call in to question the unusually low speed limit of 45 mph.
Page by John Boren.
 south |
 | Just after the Mountain View Mall travelers get a break from the congestion with the beginning of the Bend Parkway. US 97 defaults onto the Parkway but it was previously routed along Third Street at what is now exit 135a. The Dalles-California Highway and later on Third Street are still signed as US 97; however it is now signed as Business US 97. It is also cosigned with US 20 until the intersection with Greenwood Ave. 12/17/07 |
 | Colloquially known as the Bend Parkway or simply "the Parkway", US 97 transitions into an limited access expressway. The ramp overhead in the foreground is taking northbound Bend Parkway traffic to US 20 westbound. The further away ramp leads northbound vehicles to US 20 westbound as well. At this point through traffic typically accelerates well beyond the posted speed limit of 45 mph. 12/17/07 |
Photo Credits:
12/17/07 by John Boren
Page Updated 04-12-2008.