Did I Read That Right?

It's not always clear exactly what signs along the roadway are trying to convey. Which is why Reader's Digest compiled a photo gallery of 18 Funny Signs Worth Seeing. Check them out here.

Input Needed From "Commute of the Century" Riders

If you took part in the City of Spokane's "Commute of the Century" rides during Bike to Work Week two weeks ago, City staff is looking for your input if you haven't provided it already. Commute of the Century was a group ride and/or self-guided tour. Rides were held during the lunch hour each day of the week May 12-16 then participants were asked to take a survey on the bicycle infrastructure they encountered during the rides.

The purpose of the rides was to not only bring the community together for a fun and educational event, but also to gather public opinion regarding the quality of service provided by our bicycle infrastructure. This feedback will be used to direct transportation planning in the future, especially planning for non-motorized transportation.

So if you rode any of the routes and didn't fill out the survey, please do so now. You can find it on the Commute of the Century web page here.

The Ten Most Stolen Cars of 2013

The list of top ten most stolen and recovered cars for 2013 was released this week. LoJack, a company that sells vehicle tracking devices, compiles the list annually.

The #1 car stolen in the United States? The Honda Accord, for the fifth year in a row, followed by the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry, to round out the top three.

NorthwestCableNews.com has the rest of the list, and the color of car stolen most often, plus the states that have cars stolen most often. And bad news, Washington is high on that list.

Delta Adds Direct Flights Between Spokane and Seattle

Another airline wants to fly you back and forth between Spokane and Seattle. Delta Airlines will compete Details are on the Spokesman-Review website.
with Alaska Airlines in providing direct flights between the two cities. Starting in November, Delta will have four departures and four return flights a day.

Celebrity Tweet Helps Raise Money For Area Couple's "Solar Roads" Idea

Sometimes it takes a celebrity to draw attention to a worthy cause. That's what happened to a Sagle, ID couple when actor George Takei, Sulu on "Star Trek," noticed their idea for solar roadways and tweeted about it. That was the push needed to get their crowdfunding campaign to pass the $1 million goal required to start manufacturing their product.

Scott and Julie Brusaw believe their technology can transform U.S. highways into networks for energy generation and provide surfaces that are durable, safe and less expensive to maintain than concrete and asphalt. Apparently a lot of other people believe too because more than 73 people, strangers to the Brusaws, gave $1,000 each and seven gave $10,000 each to the cause!

The Spokesman-Review has the story.

"Bait Bikes" Help Catch Bike Thieves, Then Shame Them

San Francisco Police aren't amused by bike thieves and they're using high tech means to catch them. Officers are leaving "bait bikes" around the city- equipped with GPS to catch the thieves. But they don't stop there though. Not only do they use top-of-the line expensive bikes to ensure the culprits are charged with a felony, they also shame them later by posting their pictures to social media! Here's the New York Times story. Or you can watch the video below. So what do you think? Is this a good idea or over the top?

Roundup of Local Transportation Happenings

Spokane Transit is getting ready to deploy buses equipped with "smart bus technology" that will provide real-time information on bus arrivals. Spokane County is replacing the Bruce Road Bridge. And hide your valuables if you use Centennial Trail trailheads; car prowlers have been busy lately. The Spokesman-Review's "Getting There" column has a roundup of your local transportation news.

Man Holding Breath Causes Crash In Tunnel

Remember the old game of holding your breath while driving through a tunnel? Well don't do it long enough to make yourself pass out. That's what happened to a 19-year-old Snohomish man driving through a tunnel near Portland. And he fainted and caused a three-car crash. The Argus Observer has this very interesting story.

Snoqualmie Closures This Week

Interstate 90 east of Snoqualmie Pass will close three nights this week for rock blasting. Crews will close I-90 at 7:30 p.m. for about an hour each night Tuesday, May 27, Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29. 

If you're driving the pass, you may also experience minor delays during the day due to intermittent rolling slowdowns and nighttime single lane closures Tuesday through Friday.

Your Skin Color May Dictate How Long It Takes To Cross The Street

Wow, this is discouraging. Apparently discrimination is alive and well behind the wheel of cars. A new study out of Portland State University and the University of Arizona, says drivers are less likely to yield to minorities trying to cross the road. This may explain why African American and Hispanic men are about twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle while walking than caucasians.

Streetsblog has the details.

STA Board Approves Remodel of Downtown Plaza

Spokane Transit Authority's board of directors last night unanimously approved a $4.7 million remodel of the downtown STA Plaza. Some of the major changes that will take place include removing the waterfall between the escalators, relocating the two bronze cougar statues featured on the waterfall and addign four new retail spaces on the first floor.

The redesign is intended to make the Plaza more functional and bring people into it who may not be riding the bus but frequenting businesses inside the Plaza.

The Spokesman-Review has details on when construction will start, how it will be funded and what that means for people who use the Plaza.

Regional Road Construction Update

SPOKANE VALLEY

Adams Rd from 4^th to Sprague - Closed from 7 a.m. Tuesday, May 27 into late June for resurfacing.  Signs will redirect traffic via Progress Rd. In addition to the new surface overlay, the project includes stormwater drainage upgrades and sidewalk work; an existing gap in the sidewalk along the west side of Adams will be completed. While work is under way, Adams between Sprague and 4^th will be closed.  Detours will be posted redirecting traffic via Progress Road.

Argonne Road from Broadway Ave. to Sprague Ave. - Reduced to one lane southbound through early July for resurfacing, stormwater improvements and sidewalk work.  

Sprague Avenue from University Rd. to Herald Rd. - Reduced to two lanes westbound through early July for resurfacing, stormwater drainage improvements, and sidewalk work.

SPOKANE CITY

·      29th and Southeast Blvd. closure-   Starting Wednesday, May 28 through Sunday, June 1, the south "leg" of the 29th Ave. and Southeast Blvd. intersection will be closed, limiting access from 29^th Ave east/west traffic and south traffic from Southeast blvd.  Southbound through traffic will not be able to access Southeast Blvd from 29^th Ave and will be detoured to the intersection of 29^th and Regal. Southeast Blvd. northbound through traffic will be closed at the intersection of Regal and Southeast Blvd.  Local access to Southeast Blvd from 29^th to Regal will be from the intersection of Regal St and Southeast Blvd. Crews will be installing a water line in the area.

·         Riverside Avenue Closures- Wednesday, May 28 to Friday, May 30, Avista crews will be upgrading electric service to the Civic Building, just west of the Spokane Club. Riverside Avenue from north Monroe to north Madison will be closed to complete this work. 

      Cedar Road/Country Homes Blvd. Intersection work- Crews will be installing a traffic signal at this intersection. 

      Mission Avenue Construction- Construction continues with the two eastbound lanes of Mission from Hamilton to Perry Street closed. This project will reconstruct the street by replacing the asphalt surfacing, including ADA ramps, as needed.  

     Rowan Avenue Sidewalk- The project will install 8 foot sidewalks on both sides of Rowan Avenue from Belt Street to Monroe Street with ADA compliant curb ramps. 

     Francis Avenue 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.  

Palouse Highway Construction- A temporary roadway is in place for Regal Street for northbound and southbound traffic.  There is no direct access to Palouse Highway. The Palouse Highway is closed just east of Regal. Access to the highway is between Regal and Freya Street. The highway will reopen by June 1.

Francis and Freya work- A signal removal and replacement requires flaggers at the Francis/Freya intersection 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. This traffic configuration will remain in place until paving is completed. 

Cedar Road closure- Paving on North Cedar Road will close the street between Walnut and Country Homes Boulevard and Walnut to Strong Road. There will be flagging as needed.

WSDOT

I-90/Liberty Park to Havana Street- During evening and overnight hours, from about 9 p.m. until the following morning at 5 a.m.,  be alert for on and off ramp closures as crews replace lighting.

North Spokane Corridor/Francis Avenue Bridge and Intersection Improvement- From Tuesday, May 27 until the morning of Saturday May 31 daytime traffic will be shifted around construction of a traffic island  inlay striping. At night from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. the Francis/Market intersection will have the signal turned off with flaggers controlling traffic. No right turns will be allowed from westbound Francis to northbound Market Street. 

US 2/Espanola Road to Interstate 90- Between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday through Friday, there will be intermittent lane closures in Airway Heights and the vicinity of Flint Rd. for highway resurfacing and to install a signal system at the intersection. Be alert for flaggers directing traffic. Flint Road is closed from US 2 to the south. Flint Road is closed to the north between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Friday.  Drivers should be alert for daytime restrictions at Espanola Road.  No work or US 2 lane restrictions over the holiday weekend.

US 195/Cheney-Spokane Road Interchange- Until mid-afternoon on Friday, May 23, Cheney-Spokane Road is closed to through traffic at the new ramp intersection (between Cenex and Secure-It Storage). All access to Cheney-Spokane Road through traffic and businesses (other than Cenex) will be via Qualchan Road, about one mile to the south.  Northbound and southbound US 195 drivers still need to be alert for traffic entering the highway or turning into Cheney-Spokane Road.  NO LEFT TURNS are allowed from NORTHBOUND US 195 to QUALCHAN ROAD.  Drivers on northbound US 195 that need to access Qualchan Road (and locations on Cheney-Spokane Road) must continue north to Inland Empire Way, then make a U-TURN to travel south back to Qualchan Road.  They can then make a right-turn to travel on Qualchan and Cheney-Spokane Road.

Spokane Improving Bicycle-Friendly Status

We're no Portland. And definitely not Seattle. But that's why many of us live here. We're starting to resemble The Journal of Business looks at many of the changes that have come about in recent years and many of the programs and events that are improving our bicycling conditions.
the two larger, more cosmopolitan, cities though in respect to our bicycling infrastructure. Advocates, volunteers, new events and willing elected officials have started changing the mindset when it comes to bicycling in our area.

Area Holiday Closures

Don't forget, Monday is Memorial Day so all government offices will be closed, including SRTC. It's a great day to come downtown though because you don't have to pay parking meters on Monday!

New Interactive Map Available

I've been telling you about the cool new capability we have to make interactive maps for a while now. Well, we've just put another map up for you to play with. 

The SRTC Planning Areas Boundary map shows
 many of the planning area boundaries related to work done by SRTC and our partner agencies. 

Be warned, when you first click on the map, it will look like a blank slate, until you click the "Show content of map" icon and start turning on and off features. Some of the options you can view include area jurisdictional boundaries, air quality maintenance boundaries, urban growth area, the entire area served by Spokane Transit, and lots more.

See the "(1 of 2)" at the top? That means there's another
Board member in the same area so use the arrow to the
right to scroll through all of them.

My favorite feature though is the SRTC Policy Board members. Turn that "layer" on and you will see a series of green diamonds. Click each diamond and you will see the Board member that represents that area, details on their appointment and, in most cases, a picture of them to help you put a face with a name. Zoom in tight to the central area to see all the diamonds and use the arrows at the top of the description box to go through each of them.

So don't take my word that the map is fun to play with, try it out yourself here.

Train Derailment Delays Passenger Train Service

According to the Spokesman-Review, a freight train has derailed in North Idaho near the Kootenai River, but BNSF officials said nothing has spilled into the waterway and no hazardous materials were involved.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said the train with three locomotives derailed at 1:55 a.m. Thursday, five miles east of Bonners Ferry. The train, which originated in Great Falls, Montana, and was heading through Spokane to Pasco was carrying 116 loads of general merchandise, including beer products (what? You've got my attention), rock material and grain.

Melonas says up to 19 cars derailed, and some “rock product” spilled. Response teams are on the site and the railway line could be closed for up to 24 hours during the cleanup. The cause of the derailment has not been determined.

In the meantime, this seriously delayed the arrival of the Amtrak train in Spokane. According to an Amtrak employee I talked to this morning (we work in the same building), passengers were put on buses in Montana and are being driven to Spokane. No word when they'll arrive.

Transportation Technical Committee Meeting Next Week

Spokane County staff will give
an update on the Bigelow Gulch
project at the TTC meeting.

I know I say this every month, but where does the time go? It was just April and now we're already having the May Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) meeting.

The meeting is next Wednesday, May 28 at 1:30 p.m. in our office at 221 W. First Ave., Suite 310.

We encourage everyone who is interested to attend, so feel free; we'd love to have you. The agenda is here so you can see what we're working on lately.

New Bike Lock Alerts Authorities When You Crash

You could call it OnStar for your bike, I guess. The new Skylock bike lock not only protects your bike, but also protects you. If someone tries to steal your bike, the lock alerts you. But if you wipe out while riding it, the lock alerts the authorities if you don't respond within a set amount of time. And it's solar powered so the batteries never die, leaving you with your bike locked forever to a pole.

What If You Behaved At The Grocery Store Like You Do Behind The Wheel?

This public service announcement out of Norway reminds people that the way you act while driving affects everyone around you so treat people on the road like those you would come face to face with.

University District Bridge Public Open House Tomorrow

It's been a lively topic of debate lately so the City of Spokane is seeking input on the proposed University District Bridge through an open house to be held this week.

The meeting is Thursday, May 22 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the WSU Spokane South Camputs Facility, room 100 at 412 E. Spokane Falls Boulevard. At this open house, staff will provide a progress update, answer questions and take input.

The University District is targeted for new and re-development growth.  The vision is to see the southern area of the district developed into a vibrant mixed use area that would provide housing and services for the college campuses to the north and the Medical District on the south.

The BSNF railroad bisects the University District and separates the commercial and multi-use area from the institutional area, breaking up the connectivity between the two. The University District Bridge would span this gap. 

For more information on the project, visit universitydistrictbridge.com

Millions of Bees Released When Tractor Trailer Crashes

I've come very close to driving off the road and killing innocent people in the past when a spider dropped
down from the headliner of my car onto the steering wheel, so imagine the reaction when drivers on a highway had to drive through millions of swarming bees.

It happened this morning in Newark, Delaware when the driver of a tractor trailer overturned his truck on a highway ramp, releasing his cargo of about 16-20 million honey bees. The driver and two passengers were taken to a nearby hospital with about 50 to 100 stings each and other people driving by on the highway were also stung.

Bee handlers were brought in and worked with firefighters to spray water to disperse the bees. I'm not sure if we have one of these, but the authorities there have a "Honeybee Swarm Removal Plan" that they put into action for the first time. The highway ramp where this happened was closed for twelve hours, according to the Idaho Press Tribune.

A History of New York City Traffic Control

In movies and TV shows about New York City, you never notice traffic lights. Yes, the city does have them, but it didn't until 1920 and has had a variety of traffic control signals since then, including police officers posted at every intersection to manually direct traffic.

The New York Times looks at the history of traffic lights in the city,from the first ones mounted on rickety platforms to later bronze and granite towers that were eventually the victim of the very traffic they were supposed to control.

WSDOT Adopting New Approach to Preserving Highways

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is taking a new approach to preserving and paving highways, in response to dwindling preservation funds.

In the past, highways were resurfaced on a regular schedule with projects planned every 12 to 15 years, depending on the location and condition.  WSDOT crews inspected pavements annually, and projects were set up in sections several miles long.  The existing pavement was ground out to a depth between one and two inches, for the full width of the roadway.  New asphalt was then placed and the highway is good for another decade or so.

With less and less money available for highway resurfacing, the WSDOT needed to find additional ways to preserve state highways, according to an email sent out yesterday. So, they're switching to what's called “strategic preservation.”  Because most of the early pavement failure issues begin as small segments, the idea is to repair them first, delaying the programming of a multi-million dollar project over long sections of state highways.  WSDOT engineers review the highway pavements every year, look for small segments of failing pavement, create a list of locations, then paves just those locations, rather than multiple miles of roadway as in the past.

WSDOT maintenance crews patch small asphalt problems, such as potholes, on a regular basis, but strategic paving is a more extensive fix. Once fixed, the full width paving job is delayed, allowing those dollars to be used elsewhere in the system where the small repairs are no longer practical.  A small pavement grinding machine is used to remove the top layer of asphalt in narrow strips. A fresh layer of hot mix asphalt is placed in the segment then compacted with a small roller until it is even with the surrounding surface.

Repairing these small segments at a minimal cost allows WSDOT to defer the cost of the larger project for two or three years, or longer. 

Census Map Shows How Things Have Changed Since 1990

Do you enjoy stats and data? Then you'll like the U.S. Census Bureau's new tool, the Census Explorer; an interactive map that lets you take a look at your state, county or neighborhood to see how it's changed between 1990 and now. You can look at how long the average commute is now for your area, versus how long it used to take to get to work in past years. There is also data on median incomes, population, home ownership rates, education and a lot of other topic areas.

It's pretty cool. Try it out here.

US 195 Cheney-Spokane Road Interchange to Open This Week

You're invited to celebrate the opening of the new

US 195 and Cheney-Spokane Road interchange this week. 

Crews spent the last 16 months building the new interchange for the 19,000 drivers who use this state highway, and the nearly 7,000 vehicles that access Cheney-Spokane Road daily.

The $9.5 million project eliminates turning and cross traffic, reducing the risks of collisions at this busy location. The new interchange also eases commute hour backups at the southeast Spokane connection. 

The ceremony to open the interchange is at 10 a.m. this Friday, May 23. To attend, turn off US 195 at Qualchan Road, about a mile to the south, then turn right on Cheney-Spokane Road. A flagger will direct vehicles to parking. 

Slow Downs On Snoqualmie Pass This Week

Expect minor delays on Snoqualmie Pass this week due to lane closures, rolling slowdowns and rock blasting.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will close I-90 at 7:30 p.m. for about an hour each night Monday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 21. Due to the area crews will be blasting on Tuesday, May 20, drivers may experience a closure lasting longer than an hour. 

You may also experience delays during the day due to intermittent rolling slowdowns and nighttime single lane closures today through Wednesday, May 21 along Keechelus Lake.

Regional Road Construction Update

SPOKANE CITY

29th Ave. and Southeast Blvd. closure- Thursday, May 22 through Monday, May 26, the south "leg" of the intersection will be closed, limiting access from 29^th Ave east/west traffic and south traffic from Southeast Boulevard. Southbound through traffic will be detoured to 29^th and the Regal St intersection. Southeast Blvd. northbound will be closed at the intersection of Regal St and Southeast Blvd. Crews will be working on a water line.

Lilac Parade Street Closures-  Starting May 16, vehicles parked at Red Bagged Meters by the Davenport Hotel will be towed.  Beginning May 17 at 7 a.m., vehicles parked at the red bagged meters downtown will be towed. At 4 p.m., vehicles parked at yellow bagged meters will be towed. May 17 Street closures:

o   The area near the Convention Center, Washington Street from Main Avenue to Spokane Falls Boulevard, Main from Stevens to Washington, and Spokane Falls Boulevard from Brown to Washington Street will be closed at 4 p.m.
o   The area around Spokane Veteran’s arena from Boone to Spokane Falls Boulevard and Wall to Calispel will close at 4:30 p.m.
o   2^nd to Boone and Brown to Lincoln will close at 5 p.m. All roads will reopen around 11 p.m.

Rowan Avenue Sidewalks- The project will install 8 foot sidewalks on both sides of Rowan Avenue from Belt Street to Monroe Street with ADA compliant curb ramps.

Mission Avenue from Hamilton to Perry- Beginning Monday, May 19, the two eastbound lanes of Mission from Hamilton to Perry Street will be closed. This project will reconstruct the street by replacing the asphalt surfacing, including ADA ramps, as needed.

Francis from Division to Crestline- This project will rehabilitate Francis Avenue 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. 

Regal Street and Palouse Highway- The Palouse Highway is closed to all traffic just east of Regal Street and has no direct access to Regal Street. All Palouse thru traffic is re-routed using established marked detours starting at the intersection of Palouse Highway and Freya Street. The highway is scheduled to re-open by May 28.

Francis and Freya Intersection Work- The traffic signal at the Francis/Freya intersection is being removed and replaced, with construction continuing for approximately one month. The right turn lane is closed for southbound traffic on Freya Street to construct the new roadway at the northwest corner. The right turn onto westbound Francis Avenue is routed from the through lane. This traffic configuration will remain in place for approximately one month or until paving is completed at this location. 

Arthur Street from I90 to Second Avenue- Third Avenue is reduced to one lane at the intersection of Arthur to repave Arthur from I-90 to 2^nd Avenue, add sidewalks along the west side of Arthur, and add curb ramps and pedestrian lighting to various intersections. 

Car Show Street Closure- The annual Cruizin the Falls Car Show is Saturday, May 17. Howard and Wall from Main to Spokane Falls Boulevard and Spokane Falls Boulevard from Stevens to Post will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

·    Hawthorne west of Nevada- One eastbound and one westbound lane will be closed on Monday, May 12 through Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  This is for Comcast Utility work to install conduit across Hawthorne Road.

·    Northwest Boulevard from Hemlock to Alberta- One westbound Lane and parking lanes will be closed Friday, May 16 for private utility work between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

·       1st Avenue at Wall Street- One eastbound lane on 1^st Avenue at Wall Street will be closed Saturday, May 17 to Sunday, May 18 for window cleaning at 705 West 1^st Ave.

·   Riverside west of Monroe Street- The westbound lane and eastbound lane will be closed Monday, May 19 to Tuesday, May 20 for Avista electric service work at 1020 West Riverside Avenue.

·       Monroe west of Maple Street- The westbound and eastbound lane on Monroe Street just west of Maple Street will be closed Tuesday, May 20, between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Avista pipe work at 1609 W Garland.

     WSDOT

US 2/Airport Road & Geiger Blvd. Bridges- Monday through Wednesday, May 19-21, from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., US 2 may be reduced to one lane for bridge deck repairs.  Work may be in the westbound or eastbound direction.  All on and off ramps will be open.

US 2/Division Street-Francis to the “Y"- Weekdays during evening and overnight hours, from about 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning, expect lane restrictions in various lanes for pavement patching. Work should take about a week.

I-90/Liberty Park to Havana Street- During evening and overnight hours, be alert for intermittent right-lane closures and possible closures of the eastbound Altamont off-ramp. Crews will be replacing lighting, poles, and wiring.

I-90/Freya Street to Havana Street- On Sunday, May 18, from about 4:30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m.  be alert for eastbound and westbound left lane closures for center median barrier repairs.

I-90 Eastbound/Vicinity of Altamont Street to Freya Street- On Sunday, May 18, from 7:30 a.m. until as late as 12:30 p.m., eastbound I-90 will be reduced to two through lanes and the eastbound Altamont on-ramp will be closed for pedestrian overpass repairs.

North Spokane Corridor/Francis Avenue Bridge and Intersection Improvements- The right turn lane for southbound traffic on Freya Street is closed in order to construct the new roadway at the northwest corner. The right turn onto westbound Francis needs to be done from the through lane. Market Street has single lanes in each direction through the intersection on the west half of Market Street. Francis Avenue is operating as single lanes in each direction on the new bridge. 

US 2/Espanola Road to Interstate 90- Between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday through Friday, expect intermittent lane closures in Airway Heights and the vicinity of Flint Rd. as crews resurface the highway and install a signal system at the Flint Road intersection. Flint Road is closed from US 2 to the south for about a block. 

US 195/Hatch Road to Cheney-Spokane Road ITS- Possible shoulder and/or intermittent lane restrictions as crews construct a fiber optic link along US 195 from Hatch Road to Cheney-Spokane Road to add 4 new traffic cameras and traffic volume monitoring equipment.

US 195/Cheney-Spokane Road Interchange- Cheney-Spokane Road is closed to through traffic at the new ramp intersection (between Cenex and Secure-It Storage). The US 195/Cheney-Spokane Road intersection is open for access to Cenex ONLY.  All access to Cheney-Spokane Road through traffic and businesses (other than Cenex) will be via Qualchan Road, about one mile to the south.  

SPOKANE VALLEY
Argonne Road from Broadway Ave. to Sprague Ave. - Reduced to one lane southbound through early July for resurfacing, stormwater improvements and sidewalk work.


Sprague Avenue from University Rd. to Herald Rd. - Reduced to two lanes westbound through early July for resurfacing, stormwater drainage improvements, and sidewalk work.  

Letter Writer Says Idaho Roads Better Despite More Studded Tire Use

Spokesman-Review Letter to the Editor
Studs Unfairly Maligned

It must be spring. The weather is warmer, the flowers are blooming and the biannual pastime of bashing studded tires continues for another season.

Now, don’t get me wrong, Spokanites enjoy a good kvetch. Who am I to deny them of that? But it’s May. I was willing to let sleeping tire-haters lie until the issue was dredged up, so here we go again.

Being from Idaho, I’d just like to point something out. Idaho permits studs for two months longer than Washington. So if there were a true correlation between bad roads and studs, you’d think Idaho roads would be virtually nonexistent by now. Yet it’s downtown Spokane that appears to have suffered an orbital bombardment (Monroe/Lincoln anyone?), not downtown Coeur d’Alene.

I don’t need a state border sign; I can feel the difference, mainly because I’m not falling into those mineshafts the Washington Department of Transportation laughingly calls potholes. In fairness, Idaho probably has fewer drivers and more four-wheel-drive vehicles. But there’s no denying that the roads are better in a state with increased studded tire usage.

Seems like the studs aren’t the cause. So can we put the issue to rest? At least until November?

Chris Reichert
Athol

Well this is a take on the subject that I've never heard before. Thoughts anyone?

Children Killed In Drunk Driving Crashes Often In Same Car With Impaired Driver

A new study says that many of the children that die in alcohol-related car accidents each year are riding in the same car as the impaired driver. Despite what’s commonly thought, it’s not a family in one car and a drunk driver in another in most cases.

The study, from the Erie Family Health Center in Chicago,

says that 2,344 children younger than 15 years old died in 2,075 car crashes involving drunk drivers between 2001 and 2010. Of those, 65 percent were riding with the drunk driver. And even crazier- about 61 percent of the children who died while riding with a drunk driver were not wearing a seatbelt or in a car seat or booster!

Reuters has the states with the highest and lowest rates of deaths from children riding with an impaired driver.

Spokane City Streets Meeting Tonight

A reminder that the City of Spokane is hosting a meeting tonight and several in coming weeks on a

refinancing proposal to maintain and rebuild streets and update Riverfront Park. The meeting schedule is:

·         Thursday, May 15, City Council Chambers, lower level of City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, 5:30 p.m. This meeting will be taped for replay on CityCable 5.

·         Tuesday, May 20, Jefferson Elementary School, 123 E. 37^th Ave., 6:30 p.m.

·         Thursday, May 22, West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt, 5:30 p.m.

·         Tuesday, May 27, Lidgerwood Elementary School, 5510 N. Lidgerwood St., 5510 N. Lidgerwood St., 6:30 pm.

·         Wednesday, May 28, Southside Senior Center, 3151 E. 27^th Ave., 5:30 p.m.

·         Thursday, May 29, Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook St., 5:30 p.m.

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 streets and parks refinancing proposal could be used to provide:

·         $25 million annually for street funding.  That level of spending, which includes matching funding, would maintain the level of street work completed annually on under the 2004 Street Bond.  Work could be focused on the City’s arterials.

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

·         Retirement of the current debt.

Spokane citizens currently are repaying the 2004 Street 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.  The City would take an integrated approach to this work, prioritizing projects based on multiple needs, including pavement condition, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, mass transit, utility infrastructure, strowmwater management, and economic development opportunities.

Remember, if you attend the meetings, let it be known what you would like to see funded by the proposed program. That means sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, etc.; if it's important to you, speak up!

Does Being Pregnant Make You A Bad Driver?

Does being pregnant turn you into a bad driver? Possibly. A new study suggests women have more car crashes when they are expecting than they do in the years before or afterward.

One of the authors places the blame partly on what's commonly referred to as "pregnancy brain" – the foggy thinking many women report as pregnancy progresses. The study says all the side effects of pregnancy- fatigue, nausea, insomnia, anxiety and distraction- could distract a woman from the concentration required to be a good driver.

Northwest Cable News looks at the number of collisions involving pregnant women.

Proposed Crosswalk Ordinance

What are your thoughts on crosswalks? Do you think we need more in Spokane? Or better ones? Spokane City Councilmember Candace Mumm is working on a Crosswalk Ordinance. Here's a PowerPoint presentation she put together for it.

Check it out. Then, if you're interested, you can show support by giving public input to the City Plan Commission on June 11 at 4 p.m. or testify at the June 23 City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Sprague Avenue Construction Starts Soon

Construction work on Argonne Avenue starts soon and will continue into July. The project will create a smoother and safer driving surface, upgrade sidewalks and curbs to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and upgrade stormwater drainage. The work will occur in four segments: Sprague from University to Herald, Argonne from Broadway to Sprague, Sprague from I-90 to Theirman, and Sprague from Havana to I-90. The Spokane Valley Herald has all the details.

Help the City of Spokane Improve Construction Work With A Quick Survey

Okay all you folks who like to critique area construction, this is your chance to weigh-in in an official
capacity. The City of Spokane is asking you to evaluate progress and quality of work of their construction projects by taking a quick online survey.

Here's the link for more info and to get to the survey.

Road Construction Update

Don't forget- transportation construction projects that impact traffic for the entire county are included on the 2014 Spokane Regional Road Construction Map. You can see the location of all the projects, click on projects to read the description and zoom in to view smaller projects in your neighborhood or along your commute route.

WSDOT

US 2/Division Street-Francis to the “Y”-  Beginning Sunday, May 11, from about 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning, expect lane restrictions in various lanes with possible congestion. Work should take about two weeks.

I-90/Liberty Park to Havana Street- Eastbound daytime shoulder closures.  During evening and overnight hours, be alert for intermittent right-lane closures and possible closures of the eastbound Altamont off-ramp as crews replace lighting, poles and wiring.

I-90/Freya Street to Havana Street- On Sunday, May 18, from about 4:30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. , be alert for eastbound and westbound left lane closures for repairs to the center median barriers.

I-90 Eastbound/Vicinity of Altamont Street to Freya Street- On Sunday, May 18, from 7:30 a.m. until as late as 12:30 p.m., eastbound I-90 will be reduced to two lanes and the eastbound Altamont on-ramp will be closed for repairs to the pedestrian overpass.

North Spokane Corridor/Francis Avenue Bridge and Intersection Improvements- The dedicated right turn lane for SB 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 has to be done from the through lane. 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. 

US 2/Espanola Road to Interstate 90- Beginning Monday, May 12, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday through Friday, expect intermittent lane closures in Airway Heights and the vicinity of Flint Rd. for resurfacing of the highway and installation of a signal system at the Flint Road Intersection.

US 195/Hatch Road to Cheney-Spokane Road ITS- Possible shoulder and/or intermittent lane restrictions to construct a fiber optic link along US 195 from Hatch Road to Cheney-Spokane Road. This will add four new traffic cameras and traffic volume monitoring equipment.

US 195/Cheney-Spokane Road Interchange- Beginning at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, Cheney-Spokane Road will be closed to through traffic at the new ramp intersection (between Cenex and Secure-It Storage). The US 195/Cheney-Spokane Road intersection will remain open for access to Cenex ONLY.  All access to Cheney-Spokane Road through traffic and businesses (other than Cenex) will be via Qualchan Road, about one mile to the south. Anticipate increased traffic at Qualchan Road with possible delays during commute hours. 

SPOKANE CITY

Junior Lilac Parade May 10-

o   The area from Boone to Spokane Falls Boulevard from Calispel to Howard will close at 8:30 a.m.

o   The area from Spokane Falls Boulevard to Riverside from Bernard to Stevens will close at 9:30 a.m.

o   The area from Spokane Falls Boulevard to Main from Stevens to Lincoln will close at 9:30 a.m.

All roads will reopen around 11:30 a.m. Vehicles will be towed from bagged meters at 7 a.m. in the parade area.

Fourth and Monroe Traffic Signal Outage- The traffic signal at 4^th and Monroe will be shut down for approximately 6 hours between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 13 to replace three power poles and a transformer. 

Hawthorne Lane Closures- One eastbound and westbound lanes on East Hawthorne Road just west of North Nevada Street will be closed on Monday, May 12 through Saturday, May 17 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Comcast will be installing conduit across Hawthorne Road.

Monroe Street Lane Closures- Two southbound lanes on Monroe Street just south of 2^nd Ave will be closed Monday, May 12, before 5 a.m.  This will require short duration stops, between 5-10 minutes, for utility work.  The stops will be controlled by flaggers.

28th Avenue Closure-  East 28th Avenue will be closed between South Myrtle Street and South Havana Street to start on Monday, May 12 to Wednesday, May 14 for private onsite sewer and water services.

Francis Avenue from Division to Crestline- This project will rehabilitate Francis Avenue 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.

Palouse Highway Construction- The private construction project at the 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. Palouse is closed to traffic just east of Regal. The Palouse Highway is expected to reopen 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 right turn lane will be closed for southbound traffic on Freya Street. All traffic movements are still allowed. Traffic congestion is expected. 

Arthur Street Closure- On Monday, May 12, Arthur Street will be closed from 5^th Avenue to 2^nd Avenue.  Third Avenue will be reduced to one lane at the intersection of Arthur. The street will be repaved from I-90 to 2^nd Avenue, sidewalks added along the west side of Arthur, and curb ramps and pedestrian lighting added at various intersections. 

SPOKANE VALLEY
Argonne Road from Broadway Ave. to Sprague Ave. - Reduced to one lane southbound from Tuesday, May 13 through early July for resurfacing, stormwater improvements and sidewalk work.


Sprague Avenue from University Rd. to Herald Rd. - Reduced to two lanes westbound through early July for resurfacing, stormwater drainage improvements, and sidewalk work. Signs will direct traffic through the work area.

Thanks For Saying It Mr. Liepelt, So I Don't Have To

Spokesman-Review Letter to the Editor
Studs Help Tire Sales

OK, stud lovers. You’ve put your studs to bed and have put on your summer tires. Because your studs have created a very rough and sharp roadway, it will wear your summer tires off much more quickly.

Tire dealers are getting double the money selling studded tires, aren’t they? Makes you stud users feel real good.

Buy stock in tire manufacturers, not road repair businesses.

Dary Liepelt
Colbert

Bike Commuting Up 60% In Ten Years!

Wow- this is a big increase! Right in time for next week's Bike to Work Week, the U.S. Census Bureau just released new data showing that the number of people who commute to work by bicycle increased about 60% over the past decade!

Could Tolls Be The Answer To the Lack Of Transportation Money?

The Highway Trust Fund (HTF) is about to run out of money if things continue like they're going. Considering it funds U.S. highway and transit projects, that could be a MAJOR issue. As a result, the Department of Transportation may begin withholding payments to states this summer for the projects they already have planned.

Lawmakers are currently working to come up with a new funding plan, but they're going to have to be creative, considering the HTF is funded by the gas tax now; the gas tax that's not bringing in enough money because people are driving less and cars are more fuel efficient these days. One idea that's being tossed around that has potential is to place tolls on interstate highways. Right now, states can only toll an interstate highway to pay for the construction of new lanes. The new plan would let states create tolls to pay for maintenance on highways they have no plans to expand.

The Atlantic Cities has more on this idea. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Mapping App Shows Where Bicycle/Pedestrian Infrastructure is Missing In Spokane Area

Ever wonder where people run and bicycle in the Spokane area? Area runners and riders have been using a GPS tracking system to track their routes and the "Spokane Rising" blog is taking a look at the most popular routes to see what areas are flush in non-motorized users and which are deficient, which indicates a lack of bicycling and walking/running infrastructure.

Some popular areas include the High Drive Bluff and downtown. The areas that have virtually no activity? Check out this post on Spokane Rising for the answer.