Sitka to post 'Do Not Enter' signs at two Monastery Street entrances

Sitka will post "Do Not Enter" signs at two entrances to Monastery Street once Lake Street is paved and reopens. The city expects that Wednesday, Oct. 21. The signs go up where Monastery meets Arrowhead Street and DeGroff Street, and drivers will no longer be able to turn onto Monastery from either street.

The city said in its announcement that the change will reduce through traffic on Monastery Street by directing drivers to use Lake Street. A map posted with the announcement gives the goal as safer residential streets and calls Lake Street the primary route.

Monastery Street will stay a two-way road. Residents will reach the area from Hirst Street and Kinkead Street. Drivers can still leave Monastery Street by turning onto Arrowhead or DeGroff.

The new pattern is part of the city's Lake-Hirst and Monastery-Kinkead utility and street improvement project. The city asks drivers to watch for the new signs and learn the revised routes once the change takes effect.