The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The triangle of land at the junction of highways 20 and 242 has been chosen by the Sisters Ranger District as their preferred site for the location of the East Portal of the McKenzie Scenic Byway.

A draft Environmental Assessment was completed March 27. The assessment includes three alternative sites for the proposed parking area, restroom and information kiosk. The site on the triangle -- Alternative 2 -- was listed as the preferred alternative.

Two other alternatives propose placing the improvements adjacent to the RELCO property along Highway 20 west of Sisters, or at the Sisters Ranger District office on Pine Street. Alternative 1 would mean no action on the project.

The district is inviting public comment on the alternatives.

The major concern for the portal project is traffic, according to Mike Hernandez, project manager for the district.

"Our biggest concern is traffic safety and congestion at the junction of Highway 20 and 242. The new road system proposed in Alternative 2 would reduce that traffic congestion," he said.

"The triangle location is adjacent to both highways and meets the needs of byway users," Hernandez added. By siting the project in the triangle, the information kiosk would tell travelers about attractions and opportunities of both the McKenzie Pass area (along Highway 242) as well as the Metolius, Santiam, and wilderness areas (along Highway 20.)

Hernandez estimated the project could be completed by late summer or early fall of 1997 if all goes smoothly with the comment analysis, decision notice, funding and bidding.

The 19-page draft EA was developed after two years of input from citizens, county and state agencies and Forest Service officials. Starting in March, 1994, and continuing through Sept. 26, 1996, five meetings were held with individuals and organizations to discuss the project.

Hernandez and his staff have also met with the Sisters City Council, the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce and other groups to seek input.

The EA addresses four issues: natural open space, traffic safety, portal facility maintenance and highway access.

The proposed map of the triangle site includes a new road to be constructed off Highway 20. The road would run approximately southwest and then curve south paralleling the existing Sentry Drive through the area. Sentry Drive would be closed from Highway 242 with a link to the Threewind Shopping Center beginning built northwest of the project.

The proposed site plan includes a parking loop for 10 cars and two recreational vehicles. Paths lead off the parking loop to a restroom, and the information kiosk. A turn-out will also be built next to the McKenzie Highway 242 providing space for five cars and one RV.

Open space including a number of large ponderosa pines would provide a visual buffer for the portal project along Highway 20.

Alternative 3 provides for a byway kiosk, restroom and demonstration area to be built adjacent to the existing entrance to the district offices off Pine Street. This concept would involve reworking district and byway visitor parking. Hernandez said this alternative could cause increased traffic congestion at the intersection of Pine and Cascade.

Alternative 4 locates the project three-fourths of a mile from the city limits on Highway 20. As in Alternative 2, deceleration and left-turn lanes will be built for both lanes of the highway. The proposed map shows parking for five RVs and between 15-20 cars. The kiosk and restroom would be placed next to the car parking area. A visual buffer of existing trees would be maintained.

"The whole project has gone through a lot of adaptations and changes," Hernandez said, "including a lot of cooperation with the Oregon Department of Transportation. We feel Alternative 2 is a good solution to short-term traffic congestion problems."

The public comment period ends Friday, April 26. After that date Hernandez will analyze the input and made any adjustments to the draft EA. He expects a decision on the project the first week of May.

He plans to meet formally with the city council this month to develop an agreement for maintenance of the restrooms.

Written comments may be mailed to Sisters Ranger District, Deschutes National Forest, P.O Box 249, Sisters, OR, 95579. If they prefer, residents may also drop their comments at the district office.