Speed limits lowered in Sisters

Drivers approaching Sisters from the east and west along McKenzie Highway, and from the north along Santiam Highway, will soon face mandated lower speed limits.

In a report accepted by the Sisters City Council at its June 22 meeting, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) recommended the current speed limit of 55 miles per hour (mph) on the Santiam Highway (US 20, OR 126) , as it approaches Sisters, be lowered to 45 mph.

The change will occur at a point approximately 6/10s of a mile north of Cascade Avenue and extend through the zone now setting a maximum speed of 50 mph. Similarly, the next zone, currently allowing 40 mph, will also drop--to 35 mph.

Finally, drivers accustomed to navigating McKenzie Highway (Cascade Avenue) as it passes through downtown Sisters at the posted 30 mph will soon be asked to slow to a maximum allowable speed of 20 mph.

The 5-member council unanimously approved the recommendation. Member Lon Kellstrom, looking at the 12 page report jammed with graphs, maps, and statistics, noted "We're really happy with what they [ODOT] did here."

The acceptance by the council means ODOT will issue a speed zone order mandating the new changes