Redmond residents heading north on Highway 97 have gotten used to slowing down when they hit Terrebonne — both to get under the 25 mph city speed limit and to account for the traffic that has been backing up from city limits to Lower Bridge Road. 

After many years of back-and-forth on the matter, ODOT is ready to start a massive construction project this spring. It will require about 18 months of work, but ODOT and city officials think the changes will make it safer for both highway and city traffic, for vehicles and for pedestrians. Read the story and see what the project will look like when it’s finished.

Lots of changes coming to Redmond. Hopefully you took a look at last week’s story about new downtown businesses where you can shop for holiday goodies. This week there was more to report on, including a new bar with a tie-in to a classic ’90s movie.

We also touched based with some local folks doing good this holiday season by decorating the home of a Marine Corps veteran who had a stroke a few weeks ago. Want another reason to feel good these days? The counting is complete and the 40th Festival of Trees brought in $200,000 to Hospice of Redmond. How ’bout that for a Christmas miracle.

We also kept an eye on progress of the RAPRD recreation center, which has had to be reduced in size due to increasing construction costs. At a public meeting on Thursday night, residents worried about increased traffic, a lack of parking, and a community that will not support future levies if the project is not seen to meet voter intent.

These are the kinds of stories we hope to keep writing at the Spokesman. To help us continue to celebrate local capitalism and add more local reporters, consider purchasing a subscription either for digital access or home print delivery.

Go to redmondspokesman.com or stop by our office at the intersection of Deschutes and Sixth St. and we’ll get you signed up at an affordable price. That continues to be the best way to support our work and stay informed about your community.

— Tim Trainor is editor of the Redmond Spokesman.