North Bend downtown projects to promote economic development

A new walkable plaza, roundabout, sidewalks, street trees and more are part of an effort to transform North Bend’s historic district.

Construction will start this summer on the city’s Downtown Plaza project funded in part by $1.4 million from PSRC.

The project includes raising the intersection of North Bend Way and Main Avenue to create a unique space with a curbless intersection and a larger walkable plaza area.

Other work includes concrete surface treatments in the plaza area, new street trees, replacing sidewalks, and adding decorative roadway luminaires at the intersection of North Bend Way and Main Avenue.

Less visible but key infrastructure improvements will replace the water main and services within the intersection area, improve stormwater treatment, add new street power distribution, and relocate communication facilities.

The goal of the project is to help stimulate the economic core of North Bend by upgrading aging public infrastructure and creating an attractive and safe environment to shop, dine and gather.

North Bend is recommended to receive another $1 million through PSRC’s Rural Town Centers and Corridors program this month. This award would help fund the North Bend Way and Park Street Roundabout in the downtown corridor.

The roundabout project includes landscaping, sidewalks and trail connections, signage, and utility improvements.

The Executive Board is scheduled to act on the funding recommendation on June 22.