BEND, OR --  The Purcell Bridge will close for more than two months beginning today, through April 30th. The bridge crosses an irrigation canal north of Northeast Butler Market Road south of Empire Avenue. The Purcell Bridge will be widened along with other improvements. Empire is being extended from Purcell and will tie into the intersection of Northeast 27th and Butler Market road with a new, two-lane roundabout. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be affected by the total bridge closure. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.