Does A Propsed Transportation Funding Package Even Address Our Major Issues?

I have had two different transportation planners now send me this Crosscut article on whether a transportation funding package proposed in Olympia would really meet our needs. So that must mean it's a very relevant article right?

The article, authored by former Washington State Secretary of Transportation Doug MacDonald, is the first in a four-part series. It discusses how the proposed package does little to pick up the pace of maintaining our transportation infrastructure, although that's what would need to happen to prevent further deterioration of our roadways and other facilities.
Considering that Washington Governor Jay Inslee allegedly adopted a "fix it first" attitude, many are also surprised to see the proposed package includes funding for a bunch of new projects.

The comments following the article are worth a read too, so enjoy.

And just a heads up, we've been crunching the numbers in our office as part of the Horizon 2040 planning effort to see what it would cost locally to get ahead of the deterioration of our transportation infrastructure and the numbers are truly mind numbing. You'll be hearing more about that soon.

10 Things That Annoy People In Wheelchairs

I saw this post and thought it was interesting because most of us never think of the small things that would drive us crazy if we were to "become" disabled- we just think of the overall devastation it would initially have on our lives.

A young woman in a wheelchair, who has very obviously gotten past the devastation to lead an active life, wrote this post on the top ten things that really annoy people in wheelchairs. It includes a couple of transportation items so I thought it was fitting blog material.

Who knew? I thought Walmart scooters only bothered people who can walk. Although it makes perfect sense...

Lots Of Transportation Happenings This Week

A possible new airport in Spokane's future, lots of road construction projects and the annual Click It or Ticket campaign starts today. Those items and more in the Spokesman-Review's "Getting There" column today.

You May See Very Low Flying Planes In The Area Over The Next Month

The U.S. Geological Survey wants to warn you not to be alarmed if you see very low-flying planes around Spokane and North Idaho in the coming weeks.

The planes are piloted by experienced pilots specially trained for low-level flying and will measure the magnetic field of the Earth. The work is part of an ongoing USGS program to identify hidden geologic features, such as changes in rock types, ultimately providing a better understanding of the geology and hydrology of the area. For example, the survey may help map shallow faults responsible for a sequence of small earthquakes that occurred during the summer and fall of 2001 in Spokane.


The Coeur d'Alene Press has more information.

Construction Alerts For Next Week

SPOKANE CITY
The annual Lilac Festival Armed Forces TorchLight Parade- is set for Saturday, May 18 at 7:45 p.m.

Road Closures, Saturday May 18, starting at:

8 a.m. Spokane Falls from Stevens to Post
Howard from Main to Spokane Falls
Wall from Main to Spokane Falls

4 p.m. Spokane Falls from Browne to Post
Bernard northbound from Main to Spokane Falls
Washington northbound from Riverside to Spokane Falls
Main from Stevens to Bernard

4:30 p.m. Washington from Riverside to Boone
Howard from Mallon to Boone
Mallon from Post to Howard
Cataldo and Dean from Howard to Washington

5:30 p.m. Downtown will shut down for the Parade
From 2nd to Boone and from Browne to Lincoln
2nd, Boone, Browne, and Lincoln will remain open

The suggested alternative route for non-parade attendees is to use Maple or Hamilton Corridors to avoid Parade congestion.

Francis Ave. west of Monroe- Gas line work starts, Monday, May 20 on Francis Ave. just west of Monroe St. Francis will be reduced to one lane each direction between Wall and Cedar for 3 to 4 weeks.
This work is in addition to a Washington State Department of Transportation project that will pave Francis Avenue from Division Street to Stevens County Line, which is expected to begin on Tuesday, May 28.

SPOKANE VALLEY
Citywide- Expect brief lane closures as crews conducting crack sealing throughout the city into late May.

Pines ITS project- Curb lane and sidewalk closures on northbound Pines from Sprague to Mission Monday through Thursday from 6:30am to 5:00pm into July for signal conduit work.

Pines from 16th to 24th- closed around the clock from 6:30am Monday, May 20 through 7:00pm Wednesday, May 29.
Sullivan Rd. Street Preservation- Sullivan between the Spokane River and Trent Ave. remains reduced to one lane each direction weekdays from 5:00am to 10:00pm through mid-June for signal and stormwater improvements.

WSDOT
Holiday travel alert- Most construction work will be suspended by noon on Friday, May 24^th through Monday, May 27^th in anticipation of increased holiday traffic.

US 2-Division Street, Ruby, & Browne Street/I-90 to Euclid- Today only, Thursday, May 16, until as late as 6 p.m., Browne Street reduced to two lanes between 2nd Ave. and 3rd Ave. for paving. Otherwise, in general, beginning at about 7 p.m. in the evening until about 5 a.m. the following morning, on weekdays, and continuing for about a week, Division, Ruby, and/or Browne Streets may be reduced to two lanes (or possibly one, if needed) at various times and locations.

I-90/Thor Street Overcrossing Bridge- On Wednesday and Thursday, May 22-23, beginning around 8 a.m. to as late as 3 p.m., drivers should expect lane restriction on the Thor Street bridge over I-90 with delays and congestion. Crews wukk be repairing bridge joints.

Intl. Migration Project To Become Primary Driver of U.S. Population Growth

Here's something interesting for those who follow demographics: The U.S. Census Bureau says international migration is projected to surpass natural increase (births minus deaths) as the principal driver of U.S. population growth by the middle of this century.

This would mark the first time that natural increase was not the leading cause of population increase since at least 1850, when the census began collecting information about residents' country of birth.

Why? Census officials say its due to a mix of our nation's declining fertility rates, the aging of the baby boomer population and continued immigration.

An interesting note though; immigration from Mexico has decreased significantly in the last few years.

So what does this mean for us? A couple things; a faster growing, more diverse, and younger U.S. population.  And what does that mean? PR Newswire looks at the potential impacts.

Transportation Technical Committee Meeting Next Wednesday

The May meeting of the Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) is next Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. The agenda is here. All of SRTC's Board and committee meetings are open to the public, so feel free to attend. You would be amazed at some of the stuff you learn at these meetings.

Bike To Work Week Wrap-Up Celebration

If you've been taking part in our local Bike to Work Week, don't forget that the wrap-up celebration is tomorrow night. The party starts at 5 p.m. at NoLi Brewery, at 1003 E. Trent.

There will be refreshments, snacks, give-aways and no doubt other shenanigans so don't miss it.

Bicycle Superhighway Planned in 1897 Apparently Wasn't the Future of Transit

Some people say that high speed rail is the future of transportation in our country. In 1897, people were saying the same thing about a Bicycle Superhighway in California.

The highway, a for-profit bicycle superhighway that would stretch from Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles, was called the California Cycleway and was essentially a bicycle toll road.
So what happened to the plan? Here's the story and some cool old pics to go with it.

We've Come A Long Way Since 1918

Check this craziness out. It doesn't really have anything to do with us locally but this picture was included with an article on Iowa's Department of Transportation turning 100 and I thought it was pretty effective in illustrating how easy we have it these days.
The funny part to me was the picture caption: Model T on the Lincoln Highway between Ames and Nevada, 1918

Wow, can you imagine driving on that highway?

NTSB Suggests Dropping Legal Limit For Impaired Driving

The National Transportation Safety Board yesterrday said many countries have a lower blood alcohol limit for impaired driving and suggested the U.S. follow suit and drop ours to .05.
Spokane County's Sheriff supports the idea but Kootenai County's Sheriff wonders if the change would really make a difference. KREM 2 News has the story.

Start Fasting Now; Spokane Valley's Bike to Work Week Pancake Feed Is Thursday

Legal Disclaimer: Spokane Valley
is not legally required to provide pancakes
that look like this.

So here's how I get through the holiday season: I make my way around to all the open houses and parties almost nightly and take advantage of the free food. So here's your chance to capitalize on my idea; the official kickoff for Bike to Work Week in the City of Spokane was a pancake breakfast held yesterday at Riverfront Park.

If you really like pancakes, or you really like free food, or you just really like bicycling, or you live in the Valley, or any of the above, there's another pancake feed this week to mark Bike to Work Week. This one is hosted by the City of Spokane Valley.

It's Thursday morning, May 16 starting at 7 a.m. at CenterPlace, which is adjacent to Mirabeau Point on the Centennial Trail. Wow, how convenient is that if you're already riding the trail? And if you're not, go a little out of your way for some free pancakes. You're going to burn off those extra calories anyway.

Open House For Proposed Appleway Trail

The Draft Master Plan for the proposed Appleway Trail will be available for you to view at a Spokane Valley open house on Wednesday, May 22 from 4-6 pm at CenterPlace Regional Event Center (2426 N. Discovery Place). Developed with input from the community, the draft plan includes ideas that will help provide an alternative commuting route and recreational area for community members to meet and enjoy the outdoors.
The proposed trail would run down the old Milwaukee railroad right-of-way, which starts at the east end of Appleway Blvd. at University Rd. and continues east to Evergreen Rd. Features and amenities of the trail, include:

•A meandering pathway;
•Casual seating areas;
•Space for potential community gardens;
•Grasses and wildflowers;
•Shade trees;
•Birdhouses, and more.

The pictures are from the plan, by the way.

Francis Ave. Construction Starts Monday

Avista is scheduled to begin natural gas line work on Francis just west of Monroe on Monday, May 20. Francis will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Wall and Cedar for 3 to 4 weeks. Avista crews will work seven days a week until the project is done. Some traffic impacts will start Sunday afternoon, May 19, with crews placing signs, cones, temporary striping, and barriers for the project.


This work is in addition to work planned by the Washington State Department of Transportation on West Francis. WSDOT will repave Francis from Division Street west to the Stevens County line. That work currently is expected to begin on May 28.

Amendment Proposed to Two Construction Projects In the Transportation Imrpovement Program

We're looking for feedback on a proposed amendment to the 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is a document that identifies projects proposed to be undertaken or constructed during the upcoming four years. The TIP includes project names and descriptions, the jurisdiction sponsoring them, funding attached to each project, and where the funding came from (local, state or federal funds).
The most recent proposed amendment includes a request to increase the amount of Congestion Mitigation Air Quality program (CMAQ) funds awarded to one project and a request to utilize unspent Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds from preliminary engineering and design to fund right-of-way acquisition on another project.

All the details you need are on our website. Find out which projects would be affected, background info on the TIP and how to give us your thoughts on the proposed amendment.

Francis Avenue Project Open House

The Washington State Department of Transportation invites you to an informational open house to learn details of a project to pave and repair State Route 291 this season. That job includes Francis Avenue west of Division to the Stevens County Line. From Division to about Lowell Road, near the Sundance Golf Course the existing roadway will be resurfaced. From there to the county line, (excluding the section rebuilt a few years ago near Nine Mile Falls) the surface will be crack sealed and minor repairs made. To reduce the effects on traffic, paving work will be scheduled for evening and overnight hours. Other work includes updating the curb ramps to current ADA standards.


The open house is Tuesday, May 21, from 5-7 p.m. in the Salk Middle School Cafeteria, 6411 N. Alberta. Engineering staff will have displays and be on hand to answer questions about the work.

Is Cycling The New Golf Of Making Business Connections?

How do you conduct business? A lot of people used to do it over a round of golf, a round of drinks or lunch.  This Economist article claims road cycling is the new golf when it comes to networking and getting business done. A growing number of corporate-sponsored charity bike rides and cycling clubs are providing ideal opportunities to talk shop with like-minded colleagues and clients while discussing different bike frames and tricky headwinds. And some believe its better than golf for building lasting working relationships, or landing a new job, because it is less competitive.


One architecture firm out of London even estimates that as much as 75% of the practice’s workload has come directly or indirectly from contacts made on the road. Very interesting. I know the Spokane Regional Health District has done some 'walking meetings' for staff in the past, so maybe they're on to something.

Survey Says Many Passengers Don't Turn Off Electronic Devices

So you ALWAYS turn off your electronic devices when told to do so on a flight right? Uh, a lot of people don't, as it turns out. A new survey says that as many as 30 percent of all passengers accidentally left a device on during takeoff or landing. Another 21% said they just switch their electronics to "airplane mode," even when the pilot specifically asks for them to be turned off.

The New York Times has more on this survey and how dangerous it may be to leave electronics on during flights.

Nevada May Allow Motorcyclists To Legally Drive Between Two Traffic Lanes

Nevada could become the first state to allow motorcyclists to legally drive between two lanes of traffic.


The maneuver, called lane splitting, is now illegal in 49 states. California "unofficially" allows it, with no law specifically allowing or prohibiting the practice.
Supporters argue lane splitting reduces the likelihood of a motorcycle hitting a car in front, and vice versa, especially in heavy traffic. Detractors argue lane splitting is inherently dangerous and distracts from other safety issues such as mandatory helmet laws.
RGJ.com has the full story.

City of Spokane Construction For Next Week

29th Ave. from High Dr. to Bernard St.- Work to rehabilitate 29th Ave. from High Dr. to Bernard St. is nearly complete. 29th Ave from High Drive to Bernard St. is scheduled to reopen the week of May 13. The overall project rehabilitated 29th Ave. from High Drive to Grand Blvd., replaced a water main and completed other work.


Rockwood Boulevard Rehab Begins Monday- A project to rehabilitate Rockwood Boulevard from Cowley to Southeast Boulevard and Upper Terrace Road from Rockwood Boulevard to 17th Avenue begins Monday, May 13. Initially, crews will begin work on Rockwood from Southeast Blvd to Garfield and on Upper Terrace Road. Those sections will be closed to traffic; local access will be maintained.
Queen residential rehabilitation project begins Monday- The project will rehabilitate Queen, Crow, and Olympic avenues from A to Nettleton streets, and Milton and Nettleton streets from Olympic to Rowan Avenues. The project starts Monday, May 13 and continues until early August.

Division and Glass/Division and Weile Intersection Closures- Lane closures near the intersections of Division & Glass and Division & Weile as crews work to upgrade traffic islands to provide greater pedestrian protection.  The work will occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.   Additional lane closure, Monday, May 13, at 7 p.m. North and southbound traffic on Division St. will be restricted to a single lane at Weile Avenue, Everett Avenue, Walton Avenue, and Glass Avenue, to accommodate striping.