Woman struck by train at NE Bend rail crossing

Here is the text of a brief article listed on KTVZ.com

A 25-year-old Bend woman was struck and injured by a train early Saturday at a northeast Bend railroad crossing, police said.

Bend police and fire medics responded around 12:50 a.m. to the report of someone struck by a train at the Northeast Olney Avenue railroad crossing, said Sgt. Tom Pine.

The woman was taken to St. Charles Medical Center-Bend by ambulance for treatment of her injuries, Pine said, adding that her identity and other information were not being released at this time.

I don't like to speculate about incidents like this. But I am willing to bet that the horrible condition of the sidewalk at this crossing did not help her cross the tracks safely.

It will be interesting to see if the media actually covers this story, or if this is the only mention of it.

Dark Tunnel (Could Someone Please Turn on the Lights), Franklin Ave Underpass

If you have ever walked between downtown and 3rd Street on Franklin Ave, you have passed through the Franklin Street pedestrian underpass.

During the day, this is not the greatest walk in the world. The underpass is loud, dirty, and often displaying graffiti. And the sidewalk usually is littered with something, trash, partially eaten meals, broken glass, or tattered clothing or blankets.

Now, walk through there at night, and it is even worse. There are lights in the underpass, but they just don't work. I have never seen all of the lights turned on in either of the tunnels. At the time of this photograph, each tunnel had only 1 of 4 bulbs working.

In these dark conditions, it is hard to find your way if there is anything laying on the sidewalk. Additionally, bicycles often use the tunnels, and without lights, the likelihood of a bicycle-pedestrian collision is pretty good. And if the lights were functioning, it might actually help to prevent the ever-present graffiti.

Olney Ave, Railroad Crossing

Last night, on my run, I headed down Olney Ave to get to the Portland Ave Bridge. I have crossed these tracks many times before, and every time, I am amazed by the awful condition of this crossing. I won't even call it a sidewalk, because one doesn't really exist. As you approach the tracks, the concrete just ends. There are some discontinuous pieces of asphalt paving in the section of the tracks, but it would be a huge stretch to call it a sidewalk.


I'll try to get some photos of the crossing. I'll see what the city has to say about this crossing. I am guessing that they will say it is responsibility of BNSF, who owns the tracks.

661 NE Greenwood, Response from City

Yesterday, I got an email response from a Code Enforcement Officer with the City of Bend about this property. They were requesting that I fill out a complain form about this address. Then they will contact the property owner with a notice that repairs are required on the sidewalk.

I replied today to keep things moving along. So, we'll see where things go from here.

661 NE Greenwood, Letter Sent

I just dropped a letter in the mail to the owners of 661 NE Greenwood. Additionally, I copied the owner of the business at that address. Later today, I'll email a copy of it to a few people at the city to make them aware of the problems with the sidewalk at this location.