Bend to Close Wilson Avenue Near 9th Street for Three Months

The final phase of the Wilson Avenue corridor project will upgrade the railroad crossing and surrounding infrastructure.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:53pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated bicycle icon in a grid pattern, representing the City of Bend's efforts to prioritize cycling infrastructure along the Wilson Avenue corridor.Bend's investment in protected bike lanes and intersection improvements along the Wilson Avenue corridor aims to make the street safer and more accessible for cyclists.Bend Today

The City of Bend announced a three-month closure of the Wilson Avenue railroad crossing near 9th Street starting on April 27. The closure is part of the final phase of the Wilson Avenue corridor project, which has included new protected designs for roundabouts and intersections to improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Why it matters

The Wilson Avenue corridor is a key east-west route through Bend, and the closure will impact cross-town travel. However, the project is part of the City's broader efforts to enhance safety and accessibility for all road users along this busy thoroughfare.

The details

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway will upgrade the railroad tracks, while a City contractor will replace adjacent sidewalks and roadway pavement. The closure will occur between Ninth Street and Centennial Street, the last section of Wilson Avenue without safety improvements for bicycles and pedestrians. The City plans to create a detour using Third Street, Ninth Street and Reed Market Road.

  • The closure will begin on April 27, 2026.
  • The planned reopening is in July 2026, but is subject to change.

The players

City of Bend

The local government overseeing the Wilson Avenue corridor project and the upcoming closure.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway

The railroad company that will be upgrading the tracks as part of the project.

Kevin Kramer

A Bend Project Engineer who provided details about the closure and project.

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What they’re saying

“The closure will occur between Ninth Street and Centennial Street — the last remaining section of Wilson Avenue without safety improvements for bicycles and pedestrians.”

— Kevin Kramer, Bend Project Engineer

What’s next

The City's website indicates the planned July reopening is an estimate and is subject to change.

The takeaway

The Wilson Avenue corridor project is part of Bend's broader efforts to enhance safety and accessibility for all road users, including bicyclists and pedestrians. While the upcoming closure will impact cross-town travel, it represents the final phase of improvements along this key east-west route through the city.