BEND, OR -- Changes are coming this week to Highway 97 on the north end of Bend. In an effort to increase safety for drivers and crews working on the North Corridor Improvement Project, the Oregon Department of Transportation will reduce the speed limit to 35 miles per hour, from 45.

Restriping will occur next week, along with installation of recessed reflectors, so drivers can better see shifting lanes. They’ll also replace plastic delineators used to close areas to left turns. They were torn out by vehicles driving through them.

The current lane configurations will remain until April.