After returning from a cruise through the Panama Canal (awesome) the Cottonwood Interchange project has been completed. YES! The exit/entrance is open in all directions and now serves as a second road in and out of Sunriver. The progress road crews are making is exciting, but in my opinion long overdue.
Besides the opening of the Cottonwood interchange is the opening of Northbound 97 lanes between South Century (the front entrance to Sunriver) exit and Lava Lands Visitor Center. The Southbound lanes are under heavy constructions and are limited to just one lane for about the same stretch. Yuck! The roadway is irregular with barriers and cones being used as lane guides. Not an ideal roadway, especially for winter driving conditions. Exercise caution when driving 97 where the road widening project is being performed.