Now We’re Talkin’

How should Sisters manage its long-term traffic problems?

(The Nugget, June 22):

From Bob Albrecht, Sisters:

During peak traffic periods the “couplet” would still be overloaded. It’s a stop-gap that would degrade Sisters and still ultimately require a bypass. Go for the solution. Go for a bypass!

From Beth Burnside, Sisters:

In response to your request for comments from the public about traffic congestion on Route 20 through Sisters, I strongly support building a bypass to circumvent the city. I hope that the city’s engineering team will investigate thoroughly a bypass option built by Deschutes County.

I cannot for the life of me figure out how a traditional couplet or Alternative 1 is going to help, other than to create three busy streets instead of one, and create congestion problems at the east and west ends of town. The couplet would be a huge mistake — I think it would negatively affect tourism, make parking less convenient, and encourage speeding.

I think providing a bypass route for big rig trucks and through traffic would improve the livability of Sisters, enhance tourism and preserve the unique ambiance we envision for our town.

Editor’s note:

More opinions on the couplet question may be found in Letters to the Editor, page 2.