The speed limit on the U.S. Highway 97 business route from Empire Boulevard to Mt. Washington Drive-Butler Market Road in north Bend has been changed from 45 mph to 35 mph.
The new speed limit went into effect last week on the one-mile stretch of road.
Heavier traffic, new business driveways and increased pedestrian use prompted the Oregon Department of Transportation to make the change, said spokesman Peter Murphy.
Since the DMV moved to the former Bend Visitors Center site on the west side of the business route several years ago, more pedestrians have been crossing the road there, a dangerous prospect with a 45-mph speed limit, Murphy said.
The speed change was proposed by local ODOT managers and approved by the state engineer.
Lower speeds aren't the last change on this stretch of the road. ODOT is considering crosswalks and other methods to improve pedestrian safety, Murphy said.
