The line starts here

SANDUSKY — This fall, the longest lines at Cedar Point aren't for Millennium Force, Steel Vengeance or Top Thrill Dragster.Rather they're actually found way outside the amusement park's boundaries.Ever since HalloWeekends started in September, standstill traffic on weekends has become the norm, clogging Sandusky's main roadway arteries, namely First Street, Fifth Street, Cedar Point Drive, the Cedar Point Chaussee and Cleveland Road (U.S. 6). It's even a problem on Ohio 2, where traffic is severely backed up at the Rye Beach Road exit.During peak times, generally late mornings and early afternoons, some motorists claimed they've waited in traffic for an hour before entering the park or getting to a destination around Sandusky. Many park guests experience a similar problem upon leaving Cedar Point.Locals and park enthusiasts know logjams during HalloWeekends is nothing new.But the relatively new Gold Pass, a discounted ticket allowing unlimited access into Cedar Point through 2020, seems to compound this issue."I personally feel that the $99 pass has had a huge impact to the amount of traffic going to and from the park," Dan Dress posted on the Register's Facebook page in response to the traffic issue. "This (past) Saturday, we sat on the (Cedar Point Chaussee) for almost 40 minutes to get in and over 40 minutes to leave the park."Added Brandon Dupler: "My family drove in to go to HalloWeekends. Got (to) the causeway and, once we witnessed the line of cars, we backed up." Dupler added his vehicle "did a U-turn" and ate dinner in downtown Sandusky before returning to Toledo. The traffic is even impacting those who don't have a pass."I live off Rye Beach Road in Huron and work on Cleveland Road," Erin Steinhour wrote. "Last weekend, I was late to work due to Cedar Point traffic being dead-stopped. Yes, I do leave early, knowing traffic could be jammed, but this was the worst it has been."An overhead drone camera shows traffic backed up on the Cedar Point Causeway and the amusement park's parking lot on Oct. 5.Their takes on trafficThe Register forwarded some of these concerns to Sandusky police Chief John Orzech, Sandusky fire Chief Rick Wilcox and Cedar Point spokesman Tony Clark.Here's what they said:• Orzech: We are aware of the large volumes of traffic. If there becomes a significant traffic issue with the volume, officers have periodically assisted at intersections, along with Cedar Point police, to keep traffic flowing. There is a larger volume of traffic using Rye Beach and U.S. 6 to come into town. Our suggestion would be to use U.S. 250, if possible, as this road can accommodate many more vehicles and designed for traffic volume and signalization to get traffic inbound and outbound as quickly as possible. If we have a response in town where it is heavy volume of traffic, officers generally would take side streets or alternate routes. If an emergency situation arises, we would be able to navigate this through using lights and sirens and get where we need to in those situations.• Wilcox: The traffic during Cedar Point's HalloWeekends is heavier than usual during the month of October, however, the fire department monitors the flow of traffic during that time to determine response routes with visual intel from the department's members.• Clark: HalloWeekends is always very popular. When you combine a great seasonal event with perfect fall weekend weather, guests will flock to our area, and we welcome all guests when it's convenient for them to visit. Like any outdoor business, the weather plays the most significant role in how the day will play out. Just as in the summer, Saturday tends to be the park's most popular day, so we recommend visiting on Friday nights or Sundays during the fall.An overhead drone camera shows traffic backed up on the Cedar Point Causeway on Oct. 5.Fixing the problemLocal officials also understand the traffic conundrum.It's a main factor why they're pursuing a study to possibly overhaul Cleveland Road between Sycamore Line in Sandusky and Rye Beach Road in Huron."The study is needed because that section of U.S. 6 is one of the major gateways to Cedar Point and serves as a direct access to a large number of businesses," Erie Regional Planning director Steve Poggiali said. "In addition, the Sports Force facility has created additional traffic congestion and safety concerns along the corridor."Some suggestions could include widening the road, adding more lanes and even installing roundabouts at various intersections, including Camp Road beside Barnes Nursery.On the Register's Facebook page, one person speculated Cedar Point could ferry people from the mainland at Sawmill Creek Resort. Cedar Fair, Cedar Point's parent company, purchased the property in July.Many others don't mind the commuter congestion."If it wasn't for Cedar Point, this town would be nothing," Willard Shupe posted on the Register's Facebook page. "It really helps boost the economy. We have to deal with the traffic.""More money for our economy doesn't bother me one bit," Kelly Grondin wrote. "I know better to not go near the impacted traffic areas during peak times."Others, meanwhile, said this volume can't compare to yesteryear."Before the bypasses, traffic used to be backed up through Norwalk on U.S. 250 every year, all summer long," Jill Bennett wrote.An overhead drone camera shows traffic backed up on the Cedar Point Causeway on Oct. 5.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.