From: Capital Planning and Construction
Impact Information:
Century/Taylor Ct. Roundabout:
UPDATE: Due to unforeseen existing conditions, the Century Roundabout has been delayed several weeks from the original opening date of Friday, November 15th, 2024.
Walk Path from Simpson Lot:
The walk path to/from the Simpson lot will stay open and passable for walking and biking but large dump trucks supporting the construction will be crossing over the pathway. In addition, starting today (11/18/24) Knife River will begin to demolish, remove and prep for new asphalt paving in the areas marked on the photo below in red. There will be intermittent impacts to the multi-use path, Bowl and Rim Road from today through Wednesday (11/27/24). During these times, please be cautious through these areas and pay attention to the spotters that will direct you around the impacted area. Use caution, stay alert, follow signage in/around the pathway and construction areas.
Construction Information:
You have likely seen the heavy earth moving equipment and the temporary construction fences our general contractor, Knife River, has setup around the campus. Knife River has completed excavating and sorting of the construction and demolition waste in areas of the landfill north of the Century-Chandler parking lot. They have begun building the earth back up and will begin installing utilities and prepping for roads and a surface parking lot in the first phase of the Innovation District through the Winter and Spring. As we continue to execute this work we want to inform you about the nature of the work, important safety measures we are taking, and the things you can do for your own safety.
The nature of the work:
This section of the demolition landfill is largely made up of sawdust, cut ends of wood, and boiler ash from Bend’s previous sawmills. It also has some tires, carpet remnants, drywall, roofing, and other items someone would come across when they demolish a home or building. We are excavating this material, sorting it and re-landfilling it using modern techniques in another landfill area in the northwest corner of campus adjacent to the Simpson parking lot. Additional reclaimed soil, which will not include landfill materials, will be used to further fill in the pumice mine beyond the oval green.
Important safety measures:
Pedestrian safety – As noted above pedestrian traffic to and from the Simpson parking lot will be in close proximity to large trucks and other construction equipment moving between the two landfill areas. Please stay on the path and watch for construction vehicles while walking in this area. This is not the area of campus to walk with your head down, focused on your phone or with earbuds in.
Air quality – Some of the waste in the landfill being cleaned up is hot and will generate visible steam, especially in cold weather. Heat builds up in this landfill as wood in the waste breaks down naturally, similar to what happens in a compost pile but on a larger scale. Knife River will be using water to control the heat and to keep dust to a minimum. As part of the health and safety plan developed by our environmental engineering firm in coordination with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, contractors will also be monitoring air quality at the excavation site and with monitors stationed around the perimeter of the work area. The monitoring data helps us identify and control any unforeseen air quality impacts from the work
Project Links:
This is an exciting milestone in the expansion of the campus, and we hope you enjoy watching the work while staying safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the construction team at the email/phone numbers below.
Who to contact with questions/concerns: