Transportation Secretary Says Seattle Tunnel May Not Get Built

It's been almost five months now since drilling stopped under the city of Seattle to build a highway to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Bertha, the giant drill used to do the drilling, suffered some damages last years and crews are still digging a second hole in the ground to access Bertha and fix it. Now, state transportation secretary Lynn Peterson is admitting that there is a “small possibility” that the tunnel will never get built.
Streetsblog has the story.

I-90 Snowshed Removal Time Lapse

After standing for over 60 years, it took just 48 hours to remove the old snowshed over Snoqualmie Pass. The Washington State Department of Transportation caught the entire removal on video and compiled it into this cool time lapse video.

Spokane Bike to Work Week Activities

Well, April is pretty much shot. That means May is on deck, and with it comes National Bike to Work Month. Locally, May 12 – 16 is Bike to Work Week (BTWW). Besides saving money on gas and getting in shape, you can also have fun during BTWW through several events planned:

           

            Kick Off Breakfast - May 12^th at 7am in Riverfront Park

            Commute Challenge – May 12^th-16^th

            NEW!! Commute of the Century - May 12^th-16^th

            Spokane to Airway Heights Group Ride – May 14^th at 6:30 a.m.

            Energizer Stations – May 14^th from 7-9 a.m.

            Ride of Silence – May 14^th at 6 p.m.

            Wrap-Up Party – May 16^th at River City Brewery

For more info on Bike to Work Spokane, visit www.spokanebikes.net. 

New Data Shows Pedestrian Deaths Were Up In 2012

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one of the sections of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has released updated (2012 is the most recent year) traffic Safety Facts for Pedestrians. In 2012, 4,743 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 76,000 were injured in crashes in the United States. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 2 hours and injured every 7 minutes in traffic crashes!

Washington State appears to be generally in alignment with the rest of the country when it comes to these statistics. You can find the short report, and numbers by state, here. The state info is on page 10.  

National Bike to School Day Is Next Week

Mark your calendar if you have school-age children. National Bike to School Day is Wednesday, May 7. I haven't heard of any organized efforts at local schools to get kids to ride yet but will post them when/if I hear of any. If nothing comes up, why not jump on your own bike and ride with them? Looks like the weather is going to be nice for a while now!

City Comes Up With Plan To Fund Street, Parks Improvements

Spokane Mayor David Condon and City Council President Ben Stuckart announced today a refinancing proposal to maintain and enhance streets while at the same time reinvigorating Riverfront Park using money citizens are already spending.

Currently, Spokane’s citizens pay 91 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value toward the repayment of three street and park bonds. With strategic refinancing, the dollars generated could be used to provide:

·         $25 million annually for street funding that would maintain the level of work completed annually on arterials and residential streets under the 2004 Street Bond

·         $60 million for implementation of the new Riverfront Park Master Plan, which was developed with considerable public input

·         Retirement of the current debt

“Just as citizens have refinanced their homes and used the savings to make other investments, we are proposing sustainable funding for streets and reinvigorating our parks all without asking citizens to reach deeper into their pockets,” Condon said in a press release sent out today.

Spokane citizens are currently repaying the 2004 Street Bond, the 2007 Pools and Play Bond, and the 1999 Park Bond. That includes 57 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or $57 a year on a $100,000 home, for repayment of the 2004 Street Bond. Payments are currently scheduled to continue for another 16 years without any additional street improvements.

For that same 57 cents per $1,000 of value, a levy would generate around $5 million a year to fund new street work. Those funds would be matched with state, local, and federal transportation and utility dollars to support about $25 million in street improvements annually.

A similar refinancing opportunity is possible for parks. Citizens currently pay 34 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or $34 a year on a $100,000 home, for repayment of the parks bonds.

Debt from the 1999 bond is set to be retired at the end of the year, while the 2007 bond payments are scheduled to continue through 2027, without any additional park enhancements. For that same 34 cents per $1,000 of value, a new bond would provide $60 million to implement the new Riverfront Park Master Plan and still pay off the remaining debt from the 2007 issue.

Your Thoughts/Opinions Needed for US 2 Study

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is asking for your help. They will be conducting a study on US 2 from Deer Road to Elk-Chattaroy Road in the next few months to identify opportunities to improve access, reduce collisions, and enhance transportation choices along the corridor. 

WSDOT is asking users of the highway to attend a workshop this week and complete an online survey. While the WSDOT has access to traffic counts and collisions data, they need information from you that does not show up in these types of data.  Your involvement will help them to better understand transportation-related issues, shape a shared vision for the corridor, and identify potential low cost  improvements that will support the needs highway users, including pedestrians, bicyclist and the adjacent communities along the corridor.

The anonymous survey is available online at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/US2DeerRoadtoElkChattaroy . 

The workshop is Thursday, May 1, 2014, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, at Mount Spokane High School, 6015 E Mt Spokane Park Dr.  Additional information on this study can be found on the WSDOT website at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US2/DeerRdElkChattaroyRdCR/ .

Road Construction Update for Week of April 28

SPOKANE VALLEY

Park Avenue at Sprague Intersection - Expect closures north of Sprague and south of Sprague at times until early May for resurfacing, depending on weather.  Signs will redirect traffic to detours via Vista/Broadway or Thierman/Appleway as appropriate.

Sprague Avenue from Vista to Park - Reduced to two lanes westbound through early May for resurfacing, depending on weather.  Signs will redirect traffic to detours via Vista/Broadway or Thierman/Appleway as appropriate.

WSDOT

North Spokane Corridor/Francis Avenue Bridge and Intersection Improvements- No right turns allowed from westbound Francis Avenue to northbound Market Street continuing through Tuesday April 29^th.  Crews are placing cement concrete pavement on Francis Avenue for the new right–turn slip lane at the Market/Francis intersection. People with time-sensitive travels are encouraged to find alternate routes. The dedicated right turn lane for southbound traffic on Freya Street is closed in order to construct the new roadway at the northwest corner.  All traffic movements will still be allowed, but the right turn onto westbound Francis Avenue will need to be done from the through lane so some additional traffic congestion is anticipated.  This traffic configuration will remain in place through late April, and will be restored once the asphalt paving is completed at this location. 

I-90/Westbound Hamilton to westbound I-90 on-ramp- On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, April 29, 30, and May 1, from 9 a.m. until as late as 3 p.m., drivers entering westbound I-90 from Hamilton Street should be alert for right lane closures on the on ramp. Crews will be removing a tree.

US 195/Cheney-Spokane Road Interchange- HIGH IMPACT!!  Asphalt paving is scheduled to begin Wednesday, April 30.  When paving is underway, the southbound off-ramp will be closed and drivers will need to use the southbound right-turn into Cheney-Spokane Road.  In general, northbound US 195 drivers need to be alert for slow traffic entering the highway left lane from Cheney-Spokane Road. The dedicated northbound acceleration lane has been removed. The northbound left turn lane remains closed and is signed for no left turns. 

SPOKANE CITY
Convention Center Hotel Project- Construction continues on a private developer’s onsite Convention Center Hotel Project within the entire block between Washington St and Bernard St and Main Ave and Spokane Falls Blvd. Summary of changes and closures:

§  Northbound east curb thru lane on Washington St will be closed during working hours.

§  Eastbound middle thru lane on Main Ave will be closed during working hours.

§  Eastside Parking on Bernard St will be closed during working hours.

o   Main Avenue has eastbound lane and parking lane closure starting at Washington Street and continuing to Bernard Street

o   Bernard Street is closed to southbound traffic from Spokane Falls Boulevard to Main Avenue 

o   Spokane Falls Boulevard has two westbound lanes and a parking lane closure starting east of Bernard Street and continuing to Washington Street.

Ruby and Baldwin Closure- The northbound thru lane on North Ruby St at East Baldwin Ave. will be closed on Tuesday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for work on an existing aerial communication line within the  right of way.

28th and Southeast Blvd. Water Line Service-  Major impacts at E 28^th Ave and Southeast Blvd are planned for Thursday, May 1 through Friday, May 2 for installation of a private water line service tap,

o   The intersection’s south leg will be completely closed limiting access from 29^th Ave east and westbound traffic as well as southbound traffic from Southeast blvd. 

o   Southbound traffic will not be able to access Southeast Blvd from 29^th Ave and will be detoured to E 29^th Ave and the Regal St intersection. 

o   Southeast Blvd northbound thru traffic will be closed at the intersection of Regal St and Southeast Blvd. 

o   Local access to Southeast Blvd from 29^th Ave to Regal St will be provided from the intersection of Regal St and Southeast Blvd.  

Francis Ave. Division to Crestline Work- This project will rehabilitate Francis Avenue from Division to Crestline Streets.  The work is curb to curb and includes installation of ADA curb ramps, where needed.

Traffic is open on the south side of Francis with one lane in each direction. 

Palouse Highway and Regal Work- The construction of improvements at Regal and Palouse Highway Intersection is in full swing. A temporary roadway is in place for Regal Street for northbound and southbound traffic.  There is no direct access to Palouse Highway.  Access to the highway will be restored by May 28.

Francis and Freya Signal Work-A signal removal and replacement will occur at the Francis/Freya intersection with construction continuing for approximately one month. The dedicated right turn lane is closed for southbound traffic on Freya Street in order to construct the new roadway at the northwest corner.  All traffic movements will still be allowed. The right turn onto westbound Francis Avenue is routed from the through lane. This traffic configuration will remain in place for approximately 1 month or until paving is complete. 

North Division Signal and Lighting Work- This work will involve changing out existing controller cabinets for new cabinets for the adaptive signal control project. Signals will be in red-red flash for an extended period within the time frames provided below and dark for very short durations (one or two minutes) as the wiring for each head is transferred.

o   Tuesday,  April 29,  5 a.m. to ~ 10 a.m., Wellesley & Division

o   Wednesday,  April 30, 5 a.m. to ~ 10 a.m., Francis & Division

o   Thursday, May 1,  5 a.m. to ~ 10 a.m., Lyons & Division

Bloomsday Course Sweeping- Bloomsday sweeping begins Tuesday, April 29 at 9 a.m.  No Parking signs will be placed along the sweeping route, Monday morning, April 28. Cars parked where no parking signs are located will be towed.  The sweeping route will begin along the north side of Riverside and Cedar heading west of Hemlock, Broadway, Maple, and Lindeke.

Wednesday April 30, sweeping will begin to the south side of the street and follow the above route.

Bloomsday Road Closures- The following roads will be closed on Sunday, May 4 for the annual Bloomsday run:

o   Riverside from Post to Lincoln Street will close starting at 4:30 a.m.

o   Monroe Street Bridge Closes at 5:30 a.m.

o   Most of Downtown Closes between 6:30 and 7 a.m.

o   The entire route is closed by 8:15 a.m.

o   The roadways will be opened as soon as possible after cleanup

o   Most of downtown will reopen around noon.

o   The entire route should be open near 2 p.m. 

Avoid the Bloomsday Driving Crowds- Take the STA Shuttle

Bloomsday 2014 is this weekend and many people are wondering how they're going to get downtown and where they can park. Spokane Transit Authority has your answer: don't drive, take the bus! Avoid traffic and parking snarls caused by closed roads and thousands of people jamming into one small area by taking one of their direct shuttles from Spokane Valley Mall, Ferris High School, Northtown Mall, and Cheney/EWU.

You can find out more about these shuttles or regular routes at the STA booth at the Bloomsday Tradeshow when you pick up your race packet on May 2 and 3. You can also pick up sticker passes there for all routes on race day. Or you can go to the STA website for more information.

Talking Buses Keeping People Up At Night

Talking buses are driving Portlanders crazy. Yes, you heard me right. TriMet  recently rolled out a new version of "talking buses" that warn pedestrians outside the bus when the bus is turning. TriMet says, with distracted walking a big issue these days, it could prevent people from walking out in front of the bus if they hear an announcement that the bus is approaching.

One problem though. The audible warning system appears to be malfunctioning, meaning it goes off at all hours of the day and night even when the bus isn't turning. The people who live along TriMet routes say it sounds like a woman yelling and wakes them up. The Oregonian has the story.

Local Construction Update

SPOKANE VALLEY

Mirabeau Parkway between Pinecroft and Mansfield - Expect 2- to 3-minute closures of the southbound lane Mondays through Thursdays from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for utility work until Thursday, April 24. 

Park Rd. at Sprague Ave. Intersection - Expect closures north of Sprague and south of Sprague at times until early May for resurfacing, depending on weather.  Signs will redirect traffic to detours via Vista/Broadway or Thierman/Appleway as appropriate.

The eastbound lane of Sharp Ave. from Seehorn to Lake Rd.- Closed from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. through Saturday, April 26 for utility work. Flaggers will direct traffic through the work area.

Sprague Ave. from Vista to Park - Reduced to two lanes westbound around the clock through early May for resurfacing, depending on weather.  Signs will redirect traffic to detours via Vista/Broadway or Thierman/Appleway as appropriate.

WSDOT

North Spokane Corridor/Francis Avenue Bridge and Intersection Improvements- The dedicated right turn lane for southbound traffic on Freya Street is closed to construct new roadway at the northwest corner.  All traffic movements will still be allowed, but the right turn onto westbound Francis Avenue will need to be done from the through lane so some additional traffic congestion is anticipated.  This traffic configuration will remain in place through late April, and will be restored once the asphalt paving is completed at this location. 

Market Street has single lanes in each direction through the Market/Francis intersection on the west half of Market Street.  Francis Avenue is operating as single lanes in each direction on the new bridge.  The south side of the bridge along the traffic barrier is designated for the movement of bicycles and pedestrians.  No left turns are allowed at the intersection from Market Street to Francis Avenue, but are allowed from Francis Avenue to Market Street, and right turns are allowed on all approaches.  

US 195/Cheney-Spokane Road Interchange- Work resumes Monday, April 21.  Northbound US 195 drivers need to be alert for slow traffic entering the highway left lane from Cheney-Spokane Road.  The dedicated northbound acceleration lane has been removed.  The northbound left turn lane remains closed and is signed for no left turns.  US 195 northbound drivers must use Qualchan Road to access Cheney-Spokane Road.  The southbound off ramp to Cheney-Spokane Road is open to traffic. Vehicles must use this off ramp as no right turns are allowed from southbound US 195 to Cheney-Spokane Road.  

SPOKANE CITY

Francis Ave. from Division to Crestline- This project will rehabilitate Francis Avenue from Division to Crestline Streets. The work is curb to curb and includes installation of ADA curb ramps, where needed.

Traffic is open on the south side of Francis with one lane in each direction. Underground catch basins are being installed on the north side of the street. An Avista gas line is requiring some unanticipated extra treatment which is currently causing some delay on the project.  

Regal Street and Palouse Hwy. Project- The construction of Privately Driven Improvements at Regal and Palouse Intersection is in full swing. A temporary roadway is in place for Regal Street for northbound and southbound traffic. There is no direct access to Palouse Highway. This temporary roadway has curves with an advisory speed of 20 MPH for the construction zone.

 Palouse Highway is closed to traffic just east of Regal Street and will have no direct access to Regal Street.  All local businesses are open. The contractor will maintain existing access to Palouse Highway between Regal and Freya Street. All Palouse thru traffic will be re-routed using established marked detours starting at the intersection of Palouse Highway and Freya Street. The City has a commitment from the Private Contractor to have access to re-open the Palouse Highway by May 28.

Francis and Freya Signal Work- A signal removal and replacement will occur at the Francis/Freya intersection with construction continuing for approximately one month. Flagging at the intersection will occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  The dedicated right turn lane is closed for southbound traffic on Freya Street in order to construct the new roadway at the northwest corner. All traffic movements will still be allowed. The right turn onto westbound Francis Avenue will be routed from the through lane.  Additional traffic congestion is anticipated. This traffic configuration will remain in place for approximately 1 month or until HMA paving is completed at this location. Traffic is encouraged to find alternate routes. PCMS boards are running to alert motorists of this upcoming work.

Chandler Water Main Project- Construction of a new 42 inch diameter water main begins on Chandler from 8^th to 7^th Avenue, on 8^th from Chandler to Cowley, and on Cowley from 7^th to 8^th Avenue.

Liberty St. Construction- Construction to rehabilitate Liberty from Oak Street to Ash Place and Ash Place from Liberty to Dalton is on winter shutdown.  Most of the underground work has been completed, with surface improvements planned for 2014.  Liberty is closed with local access only.

SRTC Committees Meet In Upcoming Weeks

The April meetings of both the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) and Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) are coming right up. The TTC meets next Wednesday, April 23. The TAC meets the following Monday, April 28. The agenda and packet for the TAC meeting is here.

The TTC agenda and packet is here. Members of the public are welcome at both meetings, so feel free to attend if something on the agenda catches your interest.

Spokane To Apply For TIGER Funds For U-District Bike/Ped Bridge

If you read our April newsletter that is posted a few posts down from this one, you know that the federal
government is doing another round of "TIGER" funding this year, an acronym for "Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery." Our area has been very successful in past years with the competitive grant process, being awarded TIGER funds twice to fund portions of the North Spokane Corridor.

Several local jurisdictions have indicated this time around that they will apply for funds for their projects. The City of Spokane made it official on Monday when the City Council passed a resolution in support of seeking a TIGER grant for the construction of the University District Bike/Ped bridge. The resolution passed on a 6-1 vote with Councilman Fagan voting against.

We'll keep you updated on TIGER funding as news becomes available. Applications are due at the end of May. 

Domino's Franchise Turns to Delivery By Bike

Jimmy John's delivers by bike in Spokane and I saw someone taking a really good smelling pizza home on the bus the other night, so why shouldn't food be delivered in different ways than a guy in a car?

One Portland Domino's franchise is getting in on the act, delivering pizzas by three wheel bike (also known as a tricycle for those of you who will call me out on this) with a special warming box mounted on the back.

Managers there say, depending on who the rider is, delivery by bicycle can be quicker than a car, maintenance is low, and delivery "drivers" don't have to worry about wear and tear to their own vehicle or parking tickets. StreetsBlog has more on this story.

SRTC April Newsletter Available Now

Road construction season is here. How are you going to avoid being delayed in construction zones? We have a map for that.

Approximately $18 million will be distributed to local projects soon through SRTC and the Surface Transportation Program.

Some local jurisdictions are also applying for federal "TIGER" funds for their major projects.

The SRTC April newsletter has all the details on what we've been working on, and what we'll be working on for the next few months. Read it here.

Spokane City Councilman Interviewed by Smart Growth For America

Well this is certainly an honor- Smart Growth for America just posted an interview they did with Councilman Jon Snyder last week regarding complete streets in Spokane.

The article talks about how Snyder spent two years getting the Complete Streets ordinance (PDF) passed, with the help of stakeholders, including SRTC.

It also mentions how the process of creating something like the ordinance gives neighborhoods a voice and a reason to participate in local government decisions besides when there's a crisis.

You can read the entire interview here.

Bankrupt Highway Trust Fund Could Put Hundreds of Thousands Out of Work

Ouch, this is NOT what our economy needs. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says if the Highway Trust Fund goes belly-up, 700,000 Americans could soon be out of work. The Trust Fund is expected to run out of funds by August or September of 2014 at the rate it's going. That's because it's dependent on the gas tax, but revenue from the tax is going down because cars are more fuel-efficient than when the tax was passed and more people are using alternatives to driving alone.

So what does Foxx have in mind to fix the problem and keep those folks working?The Christian Post has the story.

Glow-in-the-Dark Road Makes Debut in Netherlands

There's an entire stretch of highway in the Netherlands with no streetlights. That's because the 500 meters of roadway is lit entirely by glow-in-the-dark markers, created using a photo-luminescent powder integrated into the road paint, developed in conjunction with road construction company Heijmans.

The details, and more pictures, are here.

Traffic Count Data Show Seattle Traffic Declining

Seattle is a city/region known for it's traffic. In fact, INRIX, a traffic information and services group, considers it the 8th worst U.S. city for traffic congestion.

Traffic count data claims that traffic fell by a huge percentage between 2003 and 2012 though, the population grew by another large percent, and transit ridership increased as well. 

Sightline Daily looks at the numbers.

Letter Says Spokane Streets are Dirty

Spokesman-Review Letter to the Editor
Spokane Friendly, but Dirty

I wish the mayor would walk around the city and see how dirty the streets are.

In the neighborhoods, there are cigarette butts, rocks and garbage on the sidewalks in practically every single area. It is so embarrassing. The downtown sidewalks are as bad as the neighborhoods, with thousands of cigarette butts all over the place. What a mess! Does anybody care?
This might be the friendly city, but it’s not the clean one.

Emilee Langford
Spokane

What are your thoughts? Is Spokane really that dirty? And if so, what can be done about it? There's not even money to fix our streets, so how would we pay to keep them clean? Ideas?

A Little of This and That; All Transportation-Related

A paving project gets underway on Sprague from Park to Vista today in Spokane Valley, lanes are closing on I90 over Snoqualmie Pass, Spokane Community College is holding free car care inspection event and a handful of other local transportation-related bits and pieces. You can find it all in today's Spokesman-Review "Getting There" column.

Spokane Bike Swap This Saturday & Sunday

Don't forget- tomorrow is the 3rd Annual Spokane Bike Swap! Start your spring off right by buying a new bike or selling your old one. The Swap is 

Saturday and Sunday April 12 & 13 at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center from 9am – 3pm. 

Peruse through the used bikes in the bike corral, visit local bike shops including Wheel Sport, North Division Bicycle Shop, Fitness Fanatics, Northwest Recumbent Cycles, Bicycle Butler and Terra Sports, learn how to put your bike on a STA bus, chat with bike clubs and much more! With over 2,500 attendees last year and over 450 used bikes sold, this is the place you want to be if you are selling or buying a bike.

New this year! Hourly prizes given away, bike tire repair races, bike maintenance classes and kids 14 and under that buy a bike in the bike corral will receive a free helmet while supplies last.

Proceeds from the Spokane Bike Swap go to the Friends of the Centennial Trail. For additional information, go to www.SpokaneBikeSwap.com. 

Delays on Snoqualmie Pass Start Tomorrow

Prepare for a wait if you're headed over Snoqualmie Pass in the next two weeks. Major lane restrictions start tomorrow, with a single lane open in each direction.

If you don't plan ahead, you could be delayed for up to two hours, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Officials suggest traveling in the morning or late evening, finding an alternate route or postponing trips.

From 10 p.m. Saturday, April 12, until 9 a.m. Saturday, April 26, a 4-mile stretch of I-90 between milepost 56 and milepost 60 will be congested as crews remove the old snowshed near milepost 58.

Sprague Resurfacing Project Starts Monday

Sprague Avenue between Vista Road and Park Road will get a facelift over the next couple of weeks as a project to resurface the roadway begins on April 14.

Crews will place a two-inch asphalt overlay. Improvements to stormwater drainage were made last fall as well as updates to sidewalks and curbs to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Brief driveway closures may occur in the project area. Construction crews will notify those affected. Access to businesses will remain available.

During construction, Sprague between Vista Road and Park Road will be reduced to two lanes westbound. 

 Expect closures of Park Road just north of Sprague and Park Road just south of Sprague at varying times during the project. At those times, signs will redirect traffic to detours along Vista/Broadway or Thierman/Appleway as appropriate.

Road Construction Update

WSDOT

North Spokane Corridor/Francis Avenue Bridge and Intersection Improvements- The right turn lane for southbound traffic on Freya Street is closed to construct the new roadway at the northwest corner.  All traffic movements are still be allowed, but the right turn onto westbound Francis Avenue will need to be done from the through lane.  This traffic configuration will remain in place through late April, and will be restored once the asphalt paving is completed at this location. 

Market Street has single lanes in each direction through the Market/Francis intersection on the west half of Market Street.  Francis Avenue is operating as single lanes in each direction on the new bridge.  The south side of the bridge along the traffic barrier is designated for the movement of bicycles and pedestrians.  No left turns are allowed at the intersection from Market Street to Francis Avenue, but are allowed from Francis Avenue to Market Street, and right turns are allowed on all approaches.

SPOKANE VALLEY
Mirabeau Parkway between Pinecroft and Mansfield - Short closures of the southbound lane on Mondays through Thursdays from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for utility work continuing through Thursday, April 24.

Park Road at Sprague Intersection - Expect closures north of Sprague and south of Sprague at times from Monday, April 14 through early May for resurfacing, depending on weather. Signs will redirect traffic to detours via Vista/Broadway or Thierman/Appleway as appropriate.


Sprague Avenue from Vista to Park - Reduced to two lanes westbound around the clock from 7 a.m. on Monday, April 14 through early May for resurfacing, depending on weather. Signs will redirect traffic to detours via Vista/Broadway or Thierman/Appleway as appropriate. 

SPOKANE CITY

Regal and Palouse Hwy Work Starts- Work started this week at the Regal Street and Palouse Highway Intersection to install a new traffic signal. Next Monday, April 14, includes minor traffic impacts for the construction of a temporary detour to the west for Regal Street traffic.  This work will require sidewalk closures, lane closures, and other minor temporary traffic revisions.  This will also include at times, no direct access to the existing parking lot for the Park on the Westside of this intersection. 

o   Starting Sunday Night, April 13, 7 p.m. the contractor will start the second phase which will include major traffic impacts at this intersection.  Regal Street traffic will be re-routed to the new temporary roadway alignment to the west.   This new temporary roadway will allow for northbound and southbound thru movement at Palouse Hwy and access to the existing parking lot on the Westside to southbound traffic only.  This new alignment will include curves with an advisory speed of 20 MPH in the construction zone.  Traffic using the new temporary roadway will have no direct access to Palouse Hwy. 

o   The Palouse Hwy will be closed to all traffic just east of Regal Street and will have no direct access to Regal Street. The traffic control will maintain local driveway access to all businesses that use Palouse Hwy between Regal Street and Freya Street.  All Palouse thru traffic will be re-routed using established marked detours starting at the intersection of Palouse Hwy and Freya Street.

Francis Ave. Construction- Work started this week to rehabilitate Francis Avenue from Division to Crestline Streets.  The work is curb to curb and includes installation of ADA curb ramps, where needed.

Cedar Rd. Lane Reduction-   Flagging of both directions of traffic will occur on 5555 South Cedar Road , through Monday April 14.  The one lane, two way traffic control is for onsite work installing electric services.

Cedar Rd. Grind and Overlay- A grind and overlay will begin on North Cedar road April 14. There will be flagging and road closures as needed. 

·       Wall Street Closure- Wall street will be closed the afternoon of Saturday, April 12 for an after party to thank volunteers who participate in Cleaning from the Core. Over 400 volunteers will be in the downtown area painting, planting, and various other activities to clean up and freshen the downtown from the long winter.

Corvette Lovers- Do NOT Read This!

Not sure how I missed this one, but apparently a while back a giant sinkhole opened under the National

Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY. The last of the Corvettes that fell through the hole was pulled out this week. The 2001 Mallett Hammer Z06 Corvette was originally valued at $125,000 but looked like a crunched up Matchbox car when it came out of the hole. Seven other Corvettes, with a combined total value of over $1 million dollars, also ended up in the mess.

The story, and a slideshow of pictures of sad, crunched up expensive cars, is on the KBOI website.

Four New Live Traffic Cameras Being Installed on Highway 195

Four new traffic cameras are being installed along U.S. Highway 195 in southwest Spokane that will be monitored in the Spokane Regional Transportation Management Center (SRTMC) that's located inside the SRTC office.

The new cameras join a network of almost 100 cameras already being watched across the county. It's not just SRTMC operators who watch the cameras though. You can too on your computer or smartphone, to check traffic conditions.

The new cameras will be at Qualchan Drive, south of Meadowlane Road, at the Spokane city limits near Hatch Road and at White Road. In addition to providing video images, the equipment includes traffic data monitors that can read traffic flow and alert crews when backups occur.

Here's a link to a Spokesman-Review article on the cameras, and here is a link to the SRTMC website where you can watch traffic cameras from all over the area.

10 Crazy Commutes From Around The World

I've got a friend who regularly tells me about his adventures riding Spokane Transit's east Sprague bus route. Normally it's things like colorful characters on the bus or people/things he encounters on his way to the bus stop. His commute is tame though compared to these pictures from The Guardian of the 10 weirdest forms of urban transportation. I wish I could ride a toboggan to work!

Will The Highway Trust Fund Go Bankrupt?

Well, this isn't reassuring. Especially when your job is in the transportation sector. Washington State's on Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) says the “threat is growing” of a bankruptcy in the Department of Transportation’s Highway Trust Fund.

Murray took the Senate floor yesterday to warn lawmakers of the consequences of allowing the fund, used to pay for road and transit projects, to run out of money this year.

Murray pointed out that the fund pays for projects that create jobs and keep our economy moving. It could reach critically low levels by July though. What happens if that's the case? And what could be done to prevent it? And how are the effects already being felt? "The Hill" looks at the situation.

Who Will Be Commute Centurion??

The City of Spokane is getting in on the Bike to Work Week fun! Along with sponsors Eye Consultants Northwest, the City is sponsoring "Commute of the Century" (I always hear that in my head as read by the "Come on Down!" guy from the Price is Right) this year, a bicycle tour of Spokane.

For you hardcore riders, you have the chance to cover 100 miles of Spokane in one week. For you casual riders, this is a group ride and/or a self-guided tour, so take your time and enjoy the scenery.

The group rides will take place during the lunch hour each day, covering six different routes. In addition to being a cool community event, Commute of the Century will also help to gather public opinion on the quality of services provided by the City's bicycle infrastructure and unite the local cycling community to celebrate the advancement of bicycling in Spokane.

Interested? Of course you are. Here's the link to get more info or to sign up.

Those impressive men and women who ride each route AND complete a survey for each route will be honored with a special title: "Commute Centurion" (also read in the "Come on down!" voice). Don't think you have it in you to be a "Centurion?" That's alright- just do what you can. I just got a new Hello Kitty beach cruiser bike and, while this is probably not the most appropriate event to debut it, I'd like to get it out and show it off so I probably won't be able to complete 100 miles myself  (Do you like how I blame that on the bike and not my fitness level?)

Sign Up For Traffic Alert Emails From Spokane Valley

The City of Spokane Valley wants to help you avoid getting stuck in traffic with their new traffic alert emails. Sign up for the alerts and get the latest information on delays, detours, closures, and more.

With this free service, you'll have access to the same up-to-date information provided to local media and radio stations.  

You will receive weekly emailed alerts throughout the construction season that include brief descriptions of road construction projects in the city for the week ahead, as well as traffic impacts such as lane closures, detours, and more. You will also be alerted to projects that arise mid-week to plan ahead and find alternative routes with clear roads all the way to your intended destination.

To subscribe to weekly emailed Traffic Alerts, go to www.spokanevalley.org/signup and click the "Traffic Alert" box.  

Map of Projects For Next Four Years Online Now

Have you checked out the 2014 Spokane Regional Road Construction Map yet? Well, if you have, you know that we're now using the ArcGIS Online program to share more information with you. ArcGIS Online allows us to post interactive maps of the projects and programs we work on.

Today, we added a map of projects included in the 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The map can be found here. The TIP is a planning document of projects and programs to be completed or constructed in the upcoming four years in the Spokane region. The TIP map is important because it alerts people to what is coming up in the short-term future in their neighborhood or on the routes they regularly use.

Projects are represented on the TIP map as points and lines with a different color assigned to each jurisdiction that has projects in the works. Click on a point or line to get the project description, jurisdiction sponsoring it, and total project cost. Programs and projects that traditionally couldn’t be mapped, such as those that cover a large area or provide funds for education campaigns, can be turned on in the contents tab. Just click the “Non Mappable Projects” box and you will see the area covered by Spokane County turn dark grey. Click anywhere within the boundaries of the county and a description of Non Mappable Projects will pop up.

Please take a moment to check out this map and let me know if you have any questions.

And if you want to read the actual TIP document, it can be found here: http://www.srtc.org/Documents/Documents-Maps/tip/2014-2017_TIP_Files/2014-2017_TIP-Update_121213.pdf

Railroad Deaths Up In 2013

Railroads are launching a campaign to increase awareness of danger at train tracks. The number of the Idaho Press-Tribune.
trespassing deaths grew 11 percent last year, to 476. And the number of deaths in accidents increased nearly 8 percent, to 250 according to

Railroad officials aren't sure why the increase, but Operation Lifesaver CEO Joyce Rose says it might be a side effect of distracted driving caused by smartphones and other electronic devices.

You will soon be seeing new "See Tracks? Think Train" commercials, backed by the Association of American Railroads trade group, major railroads and the Federal Railroad Administration.

Urban Cow Tipping?

Remember cow tipping from back in the day? Well it was car tipping that some hooligans got up to over the weekend in San Francisco.

San Francisco police are looking for the people who turned over four Smart cars in two neighborhoods Monday morning.

Don't worry though- an eyewitness saw several people wearing black hooded sweatshirts, so the police are on the case. With a description like that, shouldn't be hard to find right?

Here's more from USA Today.

Spokane Valley To Seek WSDOT Funds For Bike/Pedestrian Projects

The Spokane Valley City Council will vote tonight on bicycle and pedestrian projects to submit for potential "Safe Routes to School" (SRTS) funding from the Washington State Department of Transportation. The WSDOT has allocated $8 million statewide for SRTS projects and its Pedestrian and Bicycle Grant programs.

Some of the area projects being considered include a proposed sidewalk and bike lane to Evergreen Road
Evergreen Road between Trent and Wellesley Avenue, sidewalk improvements to Progress Road and Valleyway Avenue, on Bowdish Road near Opportunity Elementary School, and along Park Road south of Mission to Broadway for Seth Woodard Elementary, to name a few.

The City even came up with a strategy they think may make their projects look better than those from other communities.The Spokane Valley News Herald has the story.

Road Construction Update

WSDOT
Freeway and Highway Sweeping- Be alert for slow moving sweeping operations on most highway routes, especially in the Spokane metro area.  Sweepers and/or water flushing trucks followed by warning vehicles will be moving slowly along highway shoulders. On multi-lane freeways and divided highways, sweeping may be taking place on the inside shoulder along the left lane.

North Spokane Corridor/Francis Avenue Bridge and Intersection Improvements- The right turn lane for southbound traffic on Freya Street is closed to construct the new roadway at the northwest corner.  All traffic movements are allowed, but the right turn onto westbound Francis Avenue needs to be done from the through lane. This configuration will be in place through late April, and will be restored once the asphalt paving is completed at this location. 

SPOKANE VALLEY

Sharp Ave. from Seehorn to Lake Rd. - The eastbound lane will be closed from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 7 through Friday, April 11 for utility work. Flaggers will direct traffic through the work area.

Mirabeau Parkway between Pinecroft and Mansfield - Expect 2- to 3-minute closures of the southbound lane on Mondays through Thursdays from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for utility work beginning Monday, April 7 continuing through Thursday, April 24.  You may wish to use alternative routes.

SPOKANE CITY
Francis Ave. from Division to Crestline- This project will rehabilitate Francis Avenue from Division to Crestline Streets.  The work is curb to curb and includes installation of ADA curb ramps, where needed.

Regal Street and Palouse Highway Intersection- Regal Street and the Palouse Hwy. Intersection will have traffic disruptions starting Monday, April 7 in preparation for construction of a new traffic signal and street upgrades. The first phase begins Monday, April 14 with minor traffic impacts for the construction of a temporary detour to the west for Regal Street traffic. This work requires sidewalk closures, lane closures, and other minor temporary traffic revisions. This will also include at times, no direct access to the existing parking lot for the Park on the west side of this intersection.

o   Starting Sunday Night, April 13 at 7 p.m., the contractor will start the second phase which will include major traffic impacts at this intersection.  Regal Street traffic will be re-routed to the new temporary roadway alignment to the west.   This temporary roadway will allow for northbound and southbound thru movement at Palouse Hwy and access to the existing parking lot on the west side to southbound traffic only.  This new alignment will include curves with an advisory speed of 20 MPH in the construction zone.  Traffic using the new temporary roadway will have no direct access to Palouse Hwy. 

o   The Palouse Hwy will be closed to all traffic just east of Regal Street and will have no direct access to Regal Street. The traffic control will maintain local driveway access to all businesses that use Palouse Hwy between Regal Street and Freya Street. All Palouse thru traffic will be re-routed using established marked detours starting at the intersection of Palouse Hwy and Freya Street.

Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) Sewer Rehab Project- Installation of a pipe liner to rehabilitate sanitary sewer pipes at various locations around town is underway at the following locations:

o   Work on Helena from Rowan south to Crown Avenue, near Whitman Elementary started Friday, April 4 and includes the closure of the intersection at Rowan and Helena.  Work continues through April 11.

o   Work in the residential area on one block of Crestline Street north of Upriver Drive to North Crescent began April 3 with the street closed April 4 to accommodate the scheduled work.

o   Work at the intersection of Illinois and Crestline will impact traffic beginning through Sunday, April 6.  

Francis and Freya Intersection Work- A signal removal and replacement will occur at the Francis/Freya intersection with construction continuing for approximately one month.  Flagging at the intersection will occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  The dedicated right turn lane will be closed for southbound traffic on Freya Street in order to construct the new roadway at the northwest corner.  All traffic movements will still be allowed.   The right turn onto westbound Francis Avenue will be routed from the through lane. This configuration remains in place approximately one month or until paving is complete. 

Chandler Watermain Work- Construction of a new 42 inch diameter water main begins on Chandler from 8^th to 7^th Avenue, on 8^th from Chandler to Cowley, and on Cowley from 7^th to 8^th Avenue.  Cowley is closed until April 11.  Weather conditions may cause delays.

Monroe from Broadway to Mallon- The northbound outside lane on Monroe Street from Broadway Avenue to Mallon Avenue will be closed April 7 through April 9.  

Boone Street from Ash to Cedar- The eastbound outside lane on West Boone Street from North Ash to North Cedar will be closed  for Avista utility Pole work. 

31^st Avenue between Division and Tekoa- Closed  through Wednesday, April 9^th for a private sewer line replacement.