New traffic signals planned for Sisters

Sisters’ future includes two traffic signals, one at each end of town on Highway 20. The first will be built at the intersection of Highway 20 where the Best Western Ponderosa Lodge sits and McKinney Butte (west) and Barclay (east) Roads enter. The second is planned at the corner of Locust Street near Sisters Elementary School.

Sisters City Planning Director Bill Adams gave an update on the signals at last week’s Sisters Urban Area Planning Commission meeting. He said the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is now planning the new signals and intersections.

“They’re moving ahead on McKinney Butte as we speak,” said Adams. He added the process is a long one. Adams said ODOT is doing a Signal Warrant Analysis, followed by due diligence and approvals by several government agencies.

“It’s probably at least a year away if not two to being installed,” said Adams. “We’re going to be pushing the state to actually get this rolling.”

The cost of the new signal at McKinney Butte will be shared by five or six neighboring property owners. Their share will be determined by the number of trips the businesses generate. Adams estimates the total cost could reach a half million dollars.

Adams said the signal at Locust Street is stalled due to the debate over whether Sisters needs a couplet to improve traffic flow through downtown.