At Century West, our mission is to create solutions that align with the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Our recently completed project with Deschutes County, the Powell Butte/Butler Market Roundabout, exemplifies this approach. Located at a critical intersection near Bend Municipal Airport, this innovative project enhances traffic flow, improves safety, and exemplifies sustainable infrastructure development for the region’s continued growth.
Project Overview
The Powell Butte/Butler Market Road intersection was previously a stop-controlled T-intersection struggling to manage increased regional traffic. As vehicle volumes grew—6,500 vehicles daily on Powell Butte Highway and 4,400 vehicles daily on Butler Market Road—the intersection became a site of frequent congestion and safety concerns.
To address these challenges, Deschutes County and Century West designed and delivered a single-lane roundabout. This solution was chosen for its ability to streamline traffic flow, reduce crash risks, and support anticipated regional growth, particularly as development around Bend Municipal Airport accelerates.
Enhancing Safety and Accessibility
The previous intersection’s layout contributed to frequent crashes and delays as vehicle volumes grew. Recognizing the need to prioritize safety for all users, Century West incorporated dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facilities into the roundabout design—a first for Deschutes County. These facilities reflect the County’s and Century West’s shared commitment to improving accessibility for all modes of transportation.
The roundabout calms traffic while enhancing the safety and flow of vehicles. By eliminating the need for stop signs, the design reduces vehicle idle times and improves efficiency, which in turn lowers emissions—a key benefit for environmental sustainability
Innovative Design Solutions
Century West brought creativity and technical expertise to the project, ensuring the roundabout exceeded both functional and aesthetic standards:
- Durable, modern materials: Instead of traditional stamped concrete, the team used stained, brushed concrete for the roundabout’s inner circle and medians. This choice minimizes wear from freeze-thaw cycles, reducing maintenance needs while providing a modern, long-lasting finish.
- Stormwater quality facilities: These facilities were integrated into the project to filter pollutants and protect the local aquifer, supporting the community’s environmental health.
Construction
A project of this scale comes with challenges, and the Powell Butte/Butler Market Roundabout was no exception. Maintaining traffic flow along the busy Powell Butte Highway throughout construction required careful planning and collaboration with our contractor partners. Century West developed a phased construction plan that minimized disruptions while ensuring safety and accessibility for residents and commuters.
Despite logistical hurdles, the project was delivered efficiently and successfully met all client goals—a testament to the strong partnership between Century West and Deschutes County.
A Collaborative Success
The Powell Butte/Butler Market Roundabout reflects the strength of collaboration between Deschutes County and Century West Engineering. The project met budget constraints while delivering a solution that improved safety, accessibility, and efficiency. As noted by Cody Smith, PE, Deschutes County Engineer:
“This project demonstrates engineering excellence by addressing complex traffic demands while maintaining safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency.”
Final Thoughts
The Powell Butte/Butler Market Roundabout is more than just a traffic improvement project; it’s a model for how thoughtful, sustainable engineering can positively impact a community. Century West is proud to have partnered with Deschutes County on this essential infrastructure upgrade, and we look forward to continuing to serve the communities of Central Oregon with innovative solutions that make a lasting difference.