Newport Avenue connects neighborhoods, businesses, an elementary school, and access to the Deschutes River with downtown Bend, Oregon, to the east and the popular Shevlin Park to the west. The route carries passenger vehicles, school buses, freight, bicycles, and pedestrians. Further complicating the already-busy corridor, the area experienced flooding during rain events, which sent untreated water directly into the Deschutes River. Improving the river’s water quality and reducing flooding was the original project objective.

To make the most of funds and limit construction impacts on the neighborhood, the City combined drainage improvements with a complete reconstruction of Newport Avenue—including bicycle and pedestrian facilities—and replacement of a sewer trunk line and water distribution pipes. Work also included improvements to transportation and drainage systems along Nashville Avenue, which connects the Newport corridor with a park along the river.

Parametrix partnered with the City of Bend and a local contractor and construction manager to deliver this project through the construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC) method, evaluating design alternatives for cost and schedule benefits. Parametrix designed a new stormwater treatment and conveyance system, new sewer and water lines, pavement reconstruction, improvements to roundabout intersections (including a unique “dogbone” roundabout), sidewalks and curbs ramps, retaining walls, and illumination systems. Our surveyors were also critical to keeping the project on schedule, coordinating with the City locator and franchises to develop a phasing strategy that avoided delays.

Measures of success include:

• • Keeping the project on schedule despite a global pandemic—kicking off design in October 2019, starting construction in the spring of 2021, and completing construction in the summer of 2023.

• • Designing a cross section that benefits all drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians while fitting public and private utilities within tight spaces.

• • Using creative grading techniques to tie into existing grades, reducing the need for permanent acquisitions while prioritizing fully accessible pedestrian facilities.

• • Providing water quality solutions in a challenging setting, reducing the risk of flooding and increasing the water quality of the Deschutes River.

• • Increasing the resiliency of the City’s water and wastewater distribution systems while maximizing project dollars by preserving existing facilities that were in good condition.