New four-way stop set for Main Avenue

A traffic safety improvement in downtown Sisters will be in effect starting Thursday, October 20. Watch for a new four-way stop at the intersection of East Main Avenue and North Larch Street.

The need for a four-way stop at the Larch-Main intersection was identified in the Sisters 2021 Traffic Safety Audit conducted by the City’s traffic engineer, including a traffic count to determine trip numbers from all four directions.

Public Works Director Paul Bertagna said the intersection will have several indicators to draw attention to the traffic revision. Signs will be posted in all four directions indicating “Stop Ahead.” The stop signs will be surrounded by LED blinking lights like the current stop sign at the North Pine Street/West Barclay Drive intersection. “STOP” will also be stenciled onto the pavement in all four directions.

The Larch/Main intersection has only had stop signs for motorists traveling north and south on Larch, with traffic on Main going straight through. There have been a number of accidents and many close calls over the years.

The City wanted to wait until after tourist season to make the changes, so residents will have time to get accustomed to the new stops before tourist season begins next year.

Another intersection that may be considered for a four-way stop is the one at North Elm Street and Main Avenue. Bertagna said they want some time to evaluate the Larch/Main improvements before moving ahead at Elm.