Client
Pahlisch Homes, City of Bend
Location
Bend, Oregon
Caldera Roundabout: Building for a Growing Corridor
The Caldera Roundabout was developed along SE 15th Street in Southeast Bend to support the opening of Caldera High School and accommodate rapid growth within the Easton master-planned community. AKS provided multidisciplinary services to deliver a safe, efficient intersection that meets immediate school traffic needs while supporting long-term regional development.
Problem
Increasing Traffic Demand and Safety Needs
Rapid growth in Southeast Bend, combined with the opening of Caldera High School, created increased traffic volumes along SE 15th Street and a need for safer, more efficient intersection control. The corridor required a solution that could reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and provide safe crossings for students, pedestrians, and cyclists, all while also accommodating future development in the surrounding area.
Solution
A Modern Roundabout for Multimodal Use
AKS designed and delivered a single-lane roundabout that improves traffic operations while prioritizing safety for all users. The design includes ADA-compliant crossings, pedestrian connections, and coordinated roadway, drainage, and utility improvements. Through close collaboration with project partners, the team ensured the roundabout integrates into the existing corridor and supports both current and future transportation needs.
Result
A Safer, More Efficient Community Connection
The completed roundabout enhances traffic flow, reduces conflict points, and provides safe, accessible routes for students and the broader community. To support Bend’s environmental goals, the planting palette emphasizes native and drought-tolerant species, paired with efficient irrigation systems. Delivered in time for the school opening, it now serves as a vital connection point linking schools, parks, neighborhoods, and the larger Southeast Bend community, as well as a critical infrastructure investment supporting continued growth in Southeast Bend.
