Imagine a bustling road where traffic jams and safety hazards are a daily struggle—a scenario all too familiar for residents near South Century Drive in Deschutes County. But here's where it gets interesting: the county is taking bold steps to transform this vital corridor, and they’re inviting you to be part of the solution. Deschutes County Road Department is hosting a second online open house from December 5 to January 5, giving the community a chance to review and weigh in on updated designs for roundabouts at two key intersections: Venture Lane and Spring River Road. These changes aren’t just about smoothing traffic flow—they’re about making the road safer for everyone, from drivers to cyclists and pedestrians. And this is the part most people miss: nearly 290 community members already participated in the first open house last spring, shaping the designs through their feedback. Their input was so impactful that it helped refine the most popular options, proving that every voice counts.
South Century Drive is more than just a road—it’s a lifeline for the Sunriver and Three Rivers communities. The roundabouts are part of a larger initiative to upgrade three critical intersections along this route, including new traffic signs, pavement markings, and enhanced safety features for pedestrians and cyclists. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the Transportation System Plan (TSP) labeled the intersections with Huntington Road and Spring River Road as high-priority, Venture Lane was only marked as medium priority. Does this mean some areas are getting more attention than others? It’s a question worth discussing. Construction at Huntington Road is already underway, with completion expected by early summer 2026, but the timeline for Venture Lane and Spring River Road projects is set for January 2027. During construction, traffic will continue in both directions, minimizing disruption—a thoughtful touch that shows the county’s commitment to balancing progress with convenience.
For Venture Lane, two designs emerged as community favorites: the 'barbell' design, featuring double roundabouts, and a single roundabout with a turn lane. Both options aim to reduce congestion and improve safety, but which one will win out? That’s where your opinion matters. Enhanced pedestrian features, like at-grade crossings and Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), are also in the works, addressing long-standing safety concerns. And this is the part that sparks debate: are roundabouts truly the best solution for these intersections, or are there other alternatives worth exploring? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments. The Deschutes County Road Department is clear: community input is crucial, and these designs are far from set in stone. By participating in the open house, you’re not just observing change—you’re helping to create it. So, what do you think? Are these improvements on the right track, or is there room for a different approach? Your voice could shape the future of South Century Drive.
