New transportation plan due soon

The City of Sisters expects to have a new Transportation System Plan (TSP) to put before the public in a few weeks.

A TSP committee made up of citizens and city officials has been meeting for months and in the September 16 meeting, a clear direction emerged.

Although the concept of a Hood/Main "couplet" has not been entirely dismissed by the committee, the group favors an "alternate route" using Locust Street and Barclay Drive around the north side of town.

Eric Porter, Community Development Director for the City of Sisters understands the committee's reasoning.

"The couplet would have to be built at one time to work correctly, and costs an estimated $47 million. The alternate route can be built in stages, and the cost is about $41 million. The alternate route would allow Cascade to be improved, potentially through enhancement grants, in a manner that would not hinder traffic using Cascade or the alternate route," said Porter.

A north/south "bypass" is not likely to be in the final TSP plan presented to the city.

Chuck Humphreys, a TSP committee member, believes a bypass is not warranted.

"For my part, I think a by-pass is a two-edged sword - and could mean fewer people stop in Sisters to shop and eat, even if it creates less traffic. But not all (committee members) agree on this point. In any case, a bypass is simply not warranted by any objective traffic analysis," said Humphreys.

The committee is relying on the advice of the consulting firm DKS Associates, in coordination with ODOT officials, to determine the specifics of the Barclay/Locust "alternative route."

"The alternate route would function with either signals or roundabouts, although the traffic engineers are recommending signals at each intersection with Highway 20 (Barclay & Locust) and a roundabout at the intersection of Barclay and Locust," said Eric Porter.

Any roundabouts incorporated into the design of the alternate route would have to accommodate truck traffic.

"These aren't the little roundabouts you see in west Bend, these have to accommodate big trucks," said Mayor Brad Boyd.

Jeff England, TSP committee member, wants the public to weigh in on the issue.

"I'm concerned that we need to show the public the plusses, minuses, and costs of roundabouts versus signals to gauge their reactions," said England.

The committee's plan is expected to be complete by the end of this year. Prior to adoption by the city, the plan will be presented at a public forum during the last week in October or early November, exact day and time to be announced. This is the public's opportunity to weigh in on the committee's road improvement recommendations.

ODOT funding is a huge factor in the implementation of the final TSP plan.

"The view is that a solid TSP (plan), supported strongly by the community, would be a plus in obtaining ODOT funding," said Chuck Humphreys.

Construction on the "alternate route" - if it passes public scrutiny - is not likely to start until 2012. This is another reason the committee favors the alternate route; it's used effectively right now during heavy traffic periods.

While managing the flow of traffic through Sisters is the main focus, the committee's goal has been to create a TSP that will involve more than simply automobile traffic improvements. The final plan will also detail bike and pedestrian "safe routes" that complement vehicular road improvements.