Sisters merchants welcome hard hats, traffic cones

It’s been nearly two weeks since downtown Sisters became a scene of mud and ripped up roads, but business owners told NewsChannel 21 that they’re not complaining.

“We’re excited,” said Sisters Log Furniture and Home Decor Owner Chris Wilder.

In a joint effort with the Oregon Department of Transportation, the city is redoing the main street through town, Cascade Avenue (Highway 20).

Construction crews are putting in new asphalt, sidewalks, lampposts and benches — a new roundabout could also be installed.

It’s a $5 million project that’s expected to be completed by October.

Wilder said he has noticed less traffic through the strip, but says taking a hit now to fix the roads will be worth it when the project is complete.

“We celebrated when it came in, and we’ll celebrate as they leave, and have a beautiful city and community for years to come,” Wilder said.

Construction crews told NewsChannel 21 that the project is on time.

Crews now are working on infrastructure of the road. The landscaping portion of the project is expected to begin in June.