If you live or drive in southeast Bend, you probably know the frustration of the Reed Market railroad crossing. One moment you’re cruising across town, the next you’re parked behind a freight train. That headache is about to end. In January the City of Bend landed a record $32 million federal grant to build a bridge that will carry Reed Market Road over the tracks. When the work is complete, cars, bikes, buses, and emergency vehicles will glide above the rails instead of lining up beside them. City of Bend

Why This Spot Matters

Reed Market is the only east-west arterial south of downtown linking 27th Street on the east side to the Deschutes River corridor on the west. Six to eight long trains pass here every day (no wonder a solution has been drawn up!) Those backups waste fuel, raise tempers, and—most serious—slow ambulances and fire crews. City engineers have called this crossing the biggest choke-point in Bend’s transportation network. But the wait is over for a better solution! 

What the Project Will Do

The fix is straightforward: replace the ground-level crossing with an overpass. Reed Market will rise on gentle slopes, cross high above the BNSF rails (Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway), then meet street level again near Ninth Street on the east and American Lane on the west. The design will include sidewalks and protected bike lanes, giving walkers and riders a far safer route. Because crews must rebuild the roadbed, they’ll also upgrade water and sewer pipes now; saving money and future dig-ups.

How It’s Paid For

The total cost is projected at about $40 million. opb Local voters set aside money for the project in the 2020 transportation bond, and that “match” helped Bend secure the large federal Railroad Crossing Elimination grant. No new taxes are planned; by pairing local and federal funds, the city stretches every dollar.

Timeline You Can Plan Around

  • 2025-26 – Design and permitting. Engineers finalize the bridge, hold open houses, and buy any small strips of land needed for slopes and sidewalks.
  • 2027-28 – Construction. Reed Market will close at the tracks while the bridge is built. Drivers will detour to Murphy Road or Franklin Avenue; the city will post signs well ahead. City of Bend
  • Late 2028 – Grand opening. If schedules hold, the first cars should glide over the new bridge before the decade ends. opb

Yes, a closure will be inconvenient, but the payoff is decades of smooth, safe travel.

Benefits We’ll All Feel

  • Predictable trips – No more padding your schedule because a train might show up.
  • Faster emergency response – Firefighters and medics won’t lose life-saving minutes waiting at the gates.
  • Cleaner air – Idling cars pump out CO₂; keeping traffic moving cuts those emissions.
  • Safer streets – Removing the rail conflict ends the risk of car-train crashes and adds modern facilities for walkers and cyclists.
  • Stronger east-west link – Families in Larkspur and Old Farm District will feel closer to west-side jobs and parks, and vice versa.

A Local Take from Tuttle & Tuttle Group

As long-time Bend residents, we’ve spent too many mornings staring at flashing red lights on Reed Market. We’ve timed client showings around train schedules and watched traffic snake through side-streets. That shared frustration is why this bridge matters so much. It proves that when Bend residents speak up, the city listens and finds creative ways to act.

We’re also encouraged to see growth balanced with livability. Bend keeps welcoming new neighbors, and smart infrastructure keeps quality of life high. The overcrossing joins recent wins like the Murphy Road bridge and new roundabouts that make everyday travel easier.

How to Stay Informed

The City of Bend posts regular updates on its project page and sends email bulletins during each stage. Neighborhood associations such as Larkspur and Old Farm include construction notices in their newsletters, and local news outlets will highlight detours once building begins. Keeping an eye on those sources now can save you surprises later.

How Can We Help

Curious how improvements like this might affect home values, commute times, or future growth on Bend’s east side? Need tips on navigating detours when construction starts? Reach out to the Tuttle & Tuttle Group. We live here, we drive these roads every day, and we track Bend’s growth so you don’t have to. Whether you’re already a neighbor or thinking about moving to our high-desert home, we’re happy to share the latest and most accurate information. No strings attached!