As Redmond’s population grows, so does road congestion.

In order to combat this developing concern, a major reworking of roadways east of Highway 97 will begin in 2025 to give residents and travelers another option for traveling across Redmond.

The Eastside Arterial Project is a three-year plan that will construct new roadways and connect current ones. The plan includes two new roundabouts, road upgrades and new extensions in an effort to ease transportation from the airport, industrial lands, fairgrounds and travel off both highways 97 and 126.

Mayor Ed Fitch said in 2023 that the project would be “transformative for the community” if it relieved congestion on U.S. Highway 97 and offers faster travel through the city.

The project will cost roughly $33 million. Most of it is funded by a city-imposed tax on rental cars, according to Jessica McClanahan, Redmond director of public works.

Engineers are currently designing the project. Construction is slated to begin in 2025. Construction crews will first extend 9th Street through the old, now defunct Juniper Golf Course. The two-lane road will be built with two bike lanes along its edges. That section of the project is expected to be completed by 2026.

A new roundabout will be built at the new intersection of 9th and Highway 126. Construction will begin on that next summer and be finished by 2027. The roundabout will have an inside and outside lane. Highway 126 will be able to operate normally during most of the construction, according to McClanahan.

The project will then work to upgrade 9th St. by establishing new lanes, bike paths and a potential sidewalk or multi-use path. Crews will also plant trees along the upgraded roadway. Designing the project will take the entirety of 2025 and construction on this section is set to begin in early 2026.

The last section of the project will turn the current three-way intersection of 9th St., Veterans Way and Airport Way into another roundabout. That roundabout will be located just outside the Redmond Airport Runway Protection Zone and will help traffic move more quickly than the awkward three-way stop.

“It’s a big deal for us,” said Zach Bass, Redmond Airport manager. “It’s a huge positive for safety for everybody.”

Bass said that the runway protection zone needs to be clear at all times, in case a plane needs that space for landing or take off. Although it’s only needed during an emergency, Bass said it’s a requirement that airports keep it clear. The current intersection creeps into that zone. It was built before the Federal Aviation Administration initiated the runway protection requirement, Bass said. He said there have been no incidents regarding the zone and traffic, but best practice would move it farther from the airfield.

Bass said he did not think the years-long construction project near the airport will affect operations.

Similarly, construction near Central Oregon Community College’s Redmond campus “won’t have a huge impact,” said Lucas Alberg, COCC marketing and public relations director.

The work may even offer industrial opportunities for students interested in similar programs, like COCC’s Manufacturing and Applied Technology Center.

“The more industry in the area means the more we have an opportunity to partner with the city and the community as well as provide opportunities for current and former students,” Alberg said. “We firmly believe that what’s good for Redmond is good for the campus.”