ODOT highway managers said Tuesday they have lowered the speed limit on Business97/US Highway 20 from 45 mph to 35 mph on Bend's north side, from Empire Boulevard to Mt. Washington Drive/Butler Market Road.

"Following analysis of traffic and speed data and pedestrian use on Business 97/US 20, traffic managers of the Oregon Department of Transportation have changed the speed limit to increase overall safety on that leg of the highway," the agency said.

“We determined that increased traffic patterns caused by new transit stops, private business development and other changes to highway congestion created the need for a lower speed limit on this busy highway segment,” according to Dan Serpico, a senior traffic analyst for ODOT.

ODOT officials said they will continue to look for other improvements to safety patterns on this increasingly busy highway segment in the future.

The agency also urged motorists to drive safely in the new speed limit zone.