Sisters offers drivers weekend downtown bypass

Sisters has put in a plan this summer to help travelers avoid the traffic congestion often found in the town;s downtown area on weekends.

While the bypass has always been an option in the past, it was really only utilized during busy times such as the Sisters Quilt Show.

Sisters sees about 12,500 drivers come through on a daily basis during peak times, according to traffic counts, and the downtown area can become backed up and congested during the summer months.

Now, a message board will tell drivers on U.S. Highway 20 they can take a right on Locust Street as they head into town heading west, to bypass the traffic.

Many business owners had mixed reactions to the move Thursday, saying they want to still see a steady stream of traffic coming through the downtown area.

ODOT officials said it’s a safety matter, and gives drivers who may be in a hurry an alternate route through the city.

The message board will only be on during the summer weekends, which are one of the busiest time of the year in Central Oregon for tourists to come visit.

City officials said the message sign will be set up east of Locust Street for westbound traffic, and will be in place from 1 p.m. Fridays to 7 p.m. Sundays during the summer season.