Bend’s storied roundabout art installations are one of many projects Arts Central helped birth over the years. This work is “Cogs”, by Dave Fox.
April Baer / OPB
Overall, Oregon received a C- grade for its infrastructure in an American Society of Civil Engineers report card released this week. The state netted a slew of D+ and C- grades, barely passing by most Oregon school policies.
Out of twelve categories, the roads category earned a C. One reason for the low mark is due to public safety. The report found a 36% increase in fatal crashes from 2017 to 2021, statewide.
The report highlighted roundabouts as a way to reduce fatal crashes. Oregon Department of Transportation data show traffic circles can reduce deaths at intersections by 90%. In Bend and Deschutes county, increasing the number of roundabouts has been a priority for public officials.
There are 49 roundabouts in Bend, and city officials say there are more traffic circles on the way. According to a city project dashboard, 10 intersections in Bend will be upgraded to a roundabout or signal as part of the GO Bond program.
In Deschutes County, safety is a top goal in this year’s Transportation System Plan, which lists roundabouts as some of the highest priority transportation projects.