Local Road Construction Update

WSDOT

US 2/Espanola Road to Interstate 90- During the following days and hours, single-lane segments of on and off ramps leading to and from Spokane International Airport (SIA) on US 2 and Sunset Hwy. will be closed for construction. Detours will direct drivers to and from SIA. Expect delays and allow plenty of time to reach your destination to avoid missing flight connections.

Letters in parentheses correspond to ramp location on diagram.

Thursday evening, August 28 into Friday morning, August 29, 9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(F)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound Airport Dr. on-ramp (to the airport)—Closed for grinding 

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for grinding

Tuesday evening, September 2 into Wednesday morning, September 3, 7 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

No ramp paving or ramp lane restrictions.  Contractor will be paving mainline lanes of US 2 from I-90 to the airport area.

Wednesday evening, September 3 into Thursday morning, September 4

9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(A)-Westbound Sunset Blvd. to westbound US 2 on-ramp—Closed for paving

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for paving

(F)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound Airport Dr. on-ramp (to the airport)—Closed for paving

Thursday evening, September 4 into Friday morning, September 5, 9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(E)-Eastbound Airport Drive off-ramp to Eastbound Sunset Hwy. (to Spokane)—Closed for paving

Midnight until as late 5 a.m.

(D)-Eastbound Airport Drive (from the airport) to US 2 (& I 90 Spokane)—Closed for paving

Midnight until as late as 3:30 a.m.

(C)-Westbound off-ramp from US 2 (& I 90 Spokane) to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport)—Closed for paving

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (C) closure

Friday evening, September 5 into Saturday morning, September 6

7 p.m. until as late as 4 a.m.

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for paving

Flint Rd. Intersection- Between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday through Friday, intermittent lane closures in the vicinity of Flint Rd. to resurface the highway and install a signal system. Flint is closed from US 2 to the south. A detour is available. Flint Road is closed to the north between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday through Friday. Grinding and paving will continue between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Fairchild Air Force Base through Airway Heights and towards I-90.  

US 2/Airport Road Overpass Bridges- Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 2-4, from 7:30 a.m. until as late as 3:30 p.m., US 2 may be reduced to one through lane in the vicinity of the airport interchange to repair a bridge deck.  All on and off ramps will be open.

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 possible on and off ramp closures as crews replace light poles. Also watch for outside lane closures from 7 p.m. to the following morning at 6 a.m. 

SPOKANE CITY

Sidewalk Closure- Five Star Concrete closed the sidewalk and parking lane on Sprague/Washington/1st to repair concrete. The closure ends Sept. 2.

Residential Grind and Overlay Project- This project will grind and overlay the following streets:

o   Pittsburg Street from Heroy Avenue to Wellesley Avenue and Heroy Avenue from Helena Street to Pittsburg Street. Work is substantially complete.

o   Arthur Street from 13^th Avenue to Newark Avenue (excluding 9^th Avenue west to 9^th Avenue east)

o   Excell Avenue from G Street to the beginning of the cul-de-sac east of Audubon Drive. Removal work has begun.

East Sprague Lane Closure- One lane will be open each direction on east Sprague from Hatch to Scott Streets while crews construct a combined sewer overflow facility across from the City’s Sewer Maintenance Facility.

Grind and Overlay Project- Work is expected to start Sept. 2 on the Calispel Street section beginning with asphalt grinding and existing concrete curb and sidewalk removals. This project will grind and overlay Addison Street from Columbia Avenue to 525 feet north of Dalke Avenue. Crews will also replace a water main in Calispel Street from Wellesley Avenue to Queen Avenue.

Kendick Avenue Water Main- Crews will replace a water main in Kendick Avenue from approximately 1,200 feet west of Nine Mile Road to Nine Mile road. A detour is in place.

Lincoln/Monroe Construction-  Lincoln/Monroe streets are closed from 7^th-17^th avenues through mid-October for resurfacing and adding ADA ramps as needed. 

High Drive Construction- This project includes pavement reconstruction, storm, sewer, swales, and water main replacement from 29^th Avenue to Bernard Street. Phase One construction is expected to last until mid-October. Phase Two of this project, Bernard Street to Hatch Road will begin spring of 2015.

North Division Sidewalk Infill- This project will construct missing sidewalk in gaps adjacent to Division between Empire and Lyons. Work has begun on North Division from Lyons to Houston.  There will be a right lane closure from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Grand Boulevard Construction- McClellan Street between 8^th and 9^th Avenue has one lane southbound.  Northbound is detoured onto 9^th Avenue over to Cowley.  9^th Avenue/Rockwood Boulevard between Grand Boulevard and the hospital tower is closed with driveway access.  There is local access only at Cowley and 9^th to the hospital.  Southbound on Stevens has access to the medical building on 9^th Avenue. 

Traffic will be impacted both north and south bound mainly between 8^th and McClellan, 9^th and Rockwood, to Cliff and Grand. This work will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks. The movement of traffic will vary as each part of construction in this immediate area also varies. Work south of 14^th is being done by the Wastewater Department.  This project will apply preservation treatments that consist of crack sealing, grind and overlay and some pavement rejuvenation techniques.  Upgrades to ADA ramps and minor curb and sidewalk repairs will also be done.

Francis from Division to Crestline- Crews are continuing with removals and replacements for new driveways, curb and sidewalk along the north side of Francis.  This project will rehabilitate Francis from Division to Crestline Streets.  The work is curb to curb and includes installation of ADA curb ramps, where needed. 

SPOKANE VALLEY

8^th Ave from McKinnon to Fancher - Closed through mid-September for resurfacing and stormwater drainage improvements. Signs redirect traffic via Carnahan, 16th and Bettman/Dickey. 

Eastern between Nixon and Valleyway - Rolling closures with restrictions to local access at times around the clock from 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Friday, Sept. 5 for stormwater drainage improvements. Access to businesses will remain available.

Sprague between University and Vista - Reduced to two lanes through mid-Oct for resurfacing, stormwater drainage improvements and sidewalk work. Overnight full closures at the following locations in the project area will occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2 and Wednesday, Sept. 3 into Thursday, Sept. 4:

·         Sprague from Willow to Marguerite- Signs will redirect traffic via Farr, Broadway and Vista

·         Mullan from Appleway to Sprague- Signs will redirect traffic via Appleway, Farr, and Broadway

·         Argonne from Main to Appleway - Signs will redirect traffic via Broadway, Vista and Appleway to Dishman-Mica

SPOKANE COUNTY

Bruce Road Bridge- Closed for replacement. A detour is in place.

Country Homes Boulevard- The southbound lanes of Country Homes Blvd. between Cedar and Wall are closed.

My Favorite Line: "Studies Show That Drivers High on Pot May be Overly Cautious"

I'm guessing these two wouldn't pass the test.

This year’s Labor Day campaign to catch impaired drivers in Washington has a new target.
The slogan – Drive High, Get a DUI – is intended to call attention to the risk of driving under the influence of marijuana in a state where the drug is legal.

The Spokesman-Review takes a look at how intoxicated driving laws will be enforced in Washington.

Work Underway On Spokane Valley's Appleway Trail

Work started last week on the first stretch of the new Appleway Trail in Spokane Valley. This section
features benches, lighting, landscape irrigation and drinking fountains,and a grant obtained through SRTC will help pay for all of it.

The Spokesman-Review takes an in-depth look at the project.

Government Offices Closed Next Monday

A reminder that all area government offices will be closed next Monday, Sept. 1 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Parking meters don’t have to be plugged on Labor Day.

The Spokane City Council has cancelled its meeting for the week of Sept. 1. The Council will meet next on Monday, Sept. 8, for its regular 3:30 p.m. briefing session and the 6 p.m. legislative session.  

Spokane Airport Interchange Construction Update

Another adjustment to the schedule for work on US 2 near Spokane International Airport (SIA). The revised plan for the remaining series of on and off ramp closures to grind out old pavement and place new asphalt is below. The full closures are limited to single-lane ramp sections. The most intense work will be scheduled during overnight hours.

During the following days and hours, single-lane segments of on and off ramps leading to and from SIA on US 2 and Sunset Hwy. will be closed for construction. Detours will be in place but expect delays and allow extra time to avoid missing flight connections.

Letters in parentheses correspond to ramp location on diagram.

Thursday evening, August 28 into Friday morning, August 29

9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(F)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound Airport Dr. on-ramp (to the airport)—Closed for grinding
(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for grinding

Tuesday evening, September 2 into Wednesday morning, September 3

7 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

No ramp paving or ramp lane restrictions.  Contractor will be paving mainline lanes of US 2 from I-90 to the airport area.

Wednesday evening, September 3 into Thursday morning, September 4

9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(A)-Westbound Sunset Blvd. to westbound US 2 on-ramp—Closed for paving

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for paving

(F)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound Airport Dr. on-ramp (to the airport)—Closed for paving

Thursday evening, September 4 into Friday morning, September 5

9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(E)-Eastbound Airport Drive off-ramp to Eastbound Sunset Hwy. (to Spokane)—Closed for paving

Midnight until as late 5 a.m.

(D)-Eastbound Airport Drive (from the airport) to US 2 (& I 90 Spokane)—Closed for paving

Midnight until as late as 3:30 a.m.

(C)-Westbound off-ramp from US 2 (& I 90 Spokane) to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport)—Closed for paving

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (C) closure

Friday evening, September 5 into Saturday morning, September 6

7 p.m. until as late as 4 a.m.

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for paving

There will be no work from 5 a.m. Friday, August 29 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 2. 

In addition to the full closures listed above, beginning on Wednesday, August 27 through September 4 (except during the holiday weekend), between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. grinding and paving operations will be scheduled for ramp segments with multiple lanes.  The affected ramps will remain open with traffic reduced to one lane during this work.  Drivers should expect lane restrictions, slower traffic, and congestion on these multi-lane ramp and freeway sections in the vicinity of the airport between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.  Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time to reach their destinations during these hours, to avoid missing flight connections.

New Spokane City Council Member Appointed

The City of Spokane has a new Councilmember. Karen Stratton not only works for the City but now will make major decisions for the jurisdiction. She was up against several impressive candidates, including one who received the lion's share of support from the public.
Here's the Spokesman-Review's account of what happened at the Council meeting last night.

Kitty Klitzke, a member of SRTC's Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), was also a candidate for the position. While she would have been great to have on the Council because she knows the transportation needs and challenges of the area, she's a very valuable member of the TAC and we would struggle without her.

Volunteers Needed to Count Bicyclists/Pedestrians

It's getting close to the annual bicycle and pedestrian counts that take place across Washington. This year, volunteers will count walkers and bikers between count Sept. 30 and Oct. 2.


During a three-day survey last year, volunteers counted nearly 66,000 bicyclists and pedestrians across Washington. As another survey approaches, WSDOT and the Cascade Bicycle Club will call on about 400 volunteers to tally the number of people who ride a bike or walk to their destinations. Counts will be taken at assigned locations in nearly 40 cities throughout the state.

Interested in volunteering? Here's where to do so.

Schedule Adjusted for US 2/Spokane Airport Interchange Road Work

The schedule has changed for work on US 2 near Spokane International Airpor (SIA). The revised plan is below for a series of on and off ramp closures to grind out old pavement and place new asphalt. The full closures are limited to single-lane ramp sections where the roadway will be blocked during the work.  

During the following days and hours, single-lane segments of on and off ramps leading to and from SIA on US 2 and Sunset Hwy. will be closed. Detours are in place. Expect slow traffic, congestion, and delays.  Allow plenty of extra time to reach you destination during these periods to avoid missing flight connections.

Letters in parentheses correspond to ramp location on diagram.

 Tuesday evening, August 26, into Wednesday morning, August 27

Midnight until as late as 3:30 a.m.

(C)-Westbound off-ramp from US 2 (& I 90 Spokane) to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport)—Closed for paving mainline US 2

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (C) closure

Midnight until as late as 5 a.m.

(D)-Eastbound Airport Drive (from the airport) to US 2 (& I 90 Spokane)—Closed for paving mainline US 2

9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(E)-Eastbound Airport Drive off-ramp to Eastbound Sunset Hwy. (to Spokane)—Closed for grinding

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (E) closure

(F)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound Airport Dr. on-ramp (to the airport)—Closed for grinding

Wednesday evening, August 27 into Thursday morning, August 28

Midnight until as late as 5 a.m.

(D)-Eastbound Airport Drive (from the airport) to US 2 (& I 90 Spokane)—Closed for grinding

9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for grinding

(A)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound US 2 on-ramp—Closed for grinding

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for grinding

Thursday evening, August 28 into Friday morning, August 29

9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(E)-Eastbound Airport Drive off-ramp to Eastbound Sunset Hwy. (to Spokane)—Closed for paving

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (E) closure

Tuesday evening, September 2 into Wednesday morning, September 3

9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(A)-Westbound Sunset Blvd. to westbound US 2 on-ramp—Closed for paving

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for paving

(F)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound Airport Dr. on-ramp (to the airport)—Closed for paving

Wednesday evening, September 3 into Thursday morning, September 4

Midnight until as late 5 a.m.

(D)-Eastbound Airport Drive (from the airport) to US 2 (& I 90 Spokane)—Closed for paving

Midnight until as late as 3:30 a.m.

(C)-Westbound off-ramp from US 2 (& I 90 Spokane) to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport)—Closed for paving

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (C) closure

Thursday evening, September 4 into Friday morning, September 5

7 p.m. until as late as 4 a.m.

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for paving

In addition to the closures listed above, beginning on Wednesday, August 27 through September 4 (except during the holiday weekend), between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. grinding and paving operations will be scheduled for ramp segments with multiple lanes.  The affected ramps will remain open with traffic reduced to one lane during this work.  Drivers should expect lane restrictions, slower traffic, and congestion on these multi-lane ramp and freeway sections in the vicinity of the airport between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.  Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time to reach their destinations during these hours, to avoid missing flight connections.

 Jenny from the SRTC office and I had a great time this weekend at Millwood Daze in beautiful Millwood, WA. While we were telling people about our online Bike Map, and giving away printed versions of the map, there were all kinds of other stuff going on as well. Here's just a small sampling of the events offered there:

This was the most dog-
friendly event I've ever seen!

There were even wiener dog races!

The "Wagon Train" was a parade of
decorated wagons and some
really creative ideas

Another car from the car show

The free shirts STA was giving out. I'm
going to surprise Karl at STA by wearing
mine to a meeting.

Another participant in the Wagon Train

These bagpipers are Spokane Valley
Firefighters in their spare time.

Got A Parking Ticket? Check Your Email

Have you ever gotten a parking ticket and someone pulled it off your window or the wind blew it away, etc.? Well it's happened to me. And I didn't know I'd even gotten one until I received a letter in the mail saying it was going to collections. In New York, the City Council is considering something that would prevent that from happening; alerting people who get tickets via email, in addition to a ticket on the windshield.

Here's more on this idea.

The U.S.'s Fastest and Slowest States For Speed Limit

It's been 40 years since President Nixon signed the law setting the maximum national speed limit at 55 m.p.h.
and 20 years since it was repealed. In those two decades, many states have raised the upper limit to 70, while some even so high as 80.

So which states have the highest average top speed limit? The Governors Highway Safety Association compiled speed limits across the country. Here's how our state, and all 49 others, ranked.

BNSF Upgrading Area Tracks

A lot of people have been noticing the work being done on railroad tracks in the area and asking me what it's about. Well, an article in the Spokesman-Review talks about the $235 million track upgrade that Burlington Northern Santa Fe is in the process of.

The work is expected to help BNSF handle the increase in train traffic tied to more oil trains originating in North Dakota and a recovering economy.

Local Road Construction Update

SPOKANE CITY

Wall Street Closure- Vietzke Excavating, Inc. will close Wall St. between 25^th and 26^th for sewer relay and repair starting this Friday, Aug. 22 and going through next Friday, Aug. 29.

Division Street Lane Closures- Avista will be working at the intersection of Division, Ruby and Cleveland. Two southbound lanes of Division are closed through the end of August.

Washington Street Closure-  Avista will be installing a pole on the west side of Washington just north of Nora. Work could begin as early as Aug. 25. There will be a single lane closure on Washington during installation.

TBD Residential Grind and Overlay Project- The project will complete a grind and overlay repair on the following streets:

o   Pittsburg Street from Heroy Avenue to Wellesley Avenue and Heroy Avenue from Helena Street to Pittsburg Street

o   Arthur Street from 13^th Avenue to Newark Avenue (excluding 9^th Avenue west to 9^th Avenue east)

o   Excell Avenue from G Street to the beginning of the cul-de-sac east of Audubon Drive

Work is underway on the Pittsburg and Heroy portion with removals of existing curb and sidewalk complete. New curb and sidewalk with ADA ramps have been placed.  Grinding of existing asphalt to accommodate the 2” deep overlay of new asphalt is complete with asphalt repair area patching underway.  Paving of the 2” deep overlay is planned for Monday, Aug. 25 or Tuesday, Aug. 26. 

Kendick Avenue Water Main- Crews will replace an 8-inch water main in Kendick Avenue from approximately 1,200 feet west of Nine Mile Road to Nine Mile road. Detour signage is in place on State Route 291. 

Lincoln/Monroe Construction- The project includes reconstruction of the street by replacing the asphalt, including ADA ramps as needed. Lincoln/Monroe street will be closed from 7^th-17^th Avenues through mid-October.

High Drive, Phase One- This integrated project includes pavement reconstruction, CSO storage facilities, storm, sewer, swales, and water main replacement from 29^th Avenue to Bernard Street. Phase One construction is expected to last until mid-October. 

Division from Francis to Rhodes Avenues- This project will construct missing sidewalk in gaps adjacent to Division between Empire and Lyons. Work has begun on North Division from Lyons to Houston.  There will be a right lane closure from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Francis from Division to Crestline- East-west traffic has been switched back to the south half of Francis to allow work on curb, sidewalk and driveways on the north half.  This project will rehabilitate Francis from Division to Crestline. The work is curb to curb and includes installation of ADA curb ramps, where needed.

WSDOT

US 2/Espanola Road to Interstate 90- During the following days and hours, single-lane segments of on and off ramps leading to and from Spokane International Airport on US 2 and Sunset Hwy. will be closed for construction. Detours will direct drivers to and from Spokane International Airport (SIA). Expect slow traffic, congestion, and delays on the detour routes.  

Monday evening, August 25, into Tuesday morning, August 26, 9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for grinding

(A)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound US 2 on-ramp—Closed for grinding

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for grinding

Tuesday evening, August 26, into Wednesday morning, August 27, 9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(E)-Eastbound Airport Drive off-ramp to Eastbound Sunset Hwy. (to Spokane)—Closed for grinding

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (E) closure

(F)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound Airport Dr. on-ramp (to the airport)—Closed for grinding

Wednesday evening, August 27 into Thursday morning, August 28, 9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(A)-Westbound Sunset Blvd. to westbound US 2 on-ramp—Closed for paving

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for paving

(F)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound Airport Dr. on-ramp (to the airport)—Closed for paving

Midnight until as late as 3:30 a.m.

(C)-Westbound off-ramp from US 2 (& I 90 Spokane) to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport)—Closed for grinding

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (C) closure

7 p.m. until as late as 4 a.m.

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for paving

Thursday evening, August 28 into Friday morning, August 29, 9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(E)-Eastbound Airport Drive off-ramp to Eastbound Sunset Hwy. (to Spokane)—Closed for paving

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (E) closure

Midnight until as late as 3:30 a.m.

(C)-Westbound off-ramp from US 2 (& I 90 Spokane) to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport)—Closed for paving

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (C) closure

Midnight until as late as 5 a.m.

(D)-Eastbound Airport Drive (from the airport) to US 2 (& I 90 Spokane)—Closed for grinding

Flint Road Construction- Between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday through Friday, expect intermittent lane closures in the vicinity of Flint Rd. for crews to resurface the highway and install a traffic signal system. 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.  Grinding and paving will continue between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. from FAFB through Airway Heights and towards I-90.  

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 so crews can replace light poles. Also watch for outside lane closures from 7 p.m. to the following morning at 6 a.m. 

I-90/Geiger Interchange to Argonne Interchange- On Sunday, Aug. 24, from about 6 a.m. until as late as 3 p.m., be alert for inside lane and center median shoulder restrictions for sweeping.

SR 290-Trent Ave.-Spokane River Bridge- On Monday, Aug. 25, from about 8 a.m. until as late as 3 p.m., Trent Avenue, just east of Hamilton Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction for a routine bridge inspection.

SPOKANE VALLEY
8^th Avenue from McKinnon to Fancher- Closed through mid-September for resurfacing and stormwater drainage improvements. A detour isk via Carnahan, 16th and Bettman/Dickey.  

Appleway Boulevard from Thierman to Park- Reduced to two lanes eastbound through early September for resurfacing, stormwater drainage improvements, and sidewalk work.

Indiana Avenue/Sullivan Road Intersection - Lane reductions from Wednesday, August 27 (9 pm) to Thursday, August 27 (6 am) for concrete pavement repair.


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

SPOKANE COUNTY

Country Homes Restoration Project- The southbound lane of Country Homes Blvd. from Cedar Rd. to Wall St., is closed. The northbound lane is open with occasional restrictions.

Bruce Rd. Bridge Replacement/Road Work - Bridge closed until further notice.

Airport Interchange Construction Will Affect Airline Customers

Upcoming construction in the vicinity of Spokane International Airport (SIA) will affect drivers. Over the next ten days there will be a series of on and off ramp closures to allow time to grind out old pavement and repave.  The full closures are limited to single-lane ramp sections where the roadway will be blocked during the work.  The most intense work will be scheduled during hours when traffic counts are lowest.

 

During the following days and hours, segments of on and off ramps leading to and from Spokane International Airport on US 2 and Sunset Hwy. will be closed for construction. Detours will direct drivers to and from SIA. Expect slow traffic, congestion, and delays.  

Letters in parentheses correspond to ramp location on diagram.

Monday evening, August 25, into Tuesday morning, August 26, 9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for grinding

(A)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound US 2 on-ramp—Closed for grinding

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for grinding

Tuesday evening, August 26, into Wednesday morning, August 27, 9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(E)-Eastbound Airport Drive off-ramp to Eastbound Sunset Hwy. (to Spokane)—Closed for grinding

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (E) closure

(F)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound Airport Dr. on-ramp (to the airport)—Closed for grinding

Wednesday evening, August 27 into Thursday morning, August 28, 9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(A)-Westbound Sunset Blvd. to westbound US 2 on-ramp—Closed for paving

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for paving

(F)-Westbound Sunset Hwy. to Westbound Airport Dr. on-ramp (to the airport)—Closed for paving

Midnight until as late as 3:30 a.m.

(C)-Westbound off-ramp from US 2 (& I 90 Spokane) to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport)—Closed for grinding

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (C) closure

7 p.m. until as late as 4 a.m.

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy.—Closed for paving

Thursday evening, August 28 into Friday morning, August 29, 9 p.m. until as late as 5 a.m.

(E)-Eastbound Airport Drive off-ramp to Eastbound Sunset Hwy. (to Spokane)—Closed for paving

(G)-Eastbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport) or Eastbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (E) closure

Midnight until as late as 3:30 a.m.

(C)-Westbound off-ramp from US 2 (& I 90 Spokane) to Westbound Airport Dr. (to the airport)—Closed for paving

(B)-Westbound US 2 off-ramp to Westbound Sunset Hwy. will also be closed due to (C) closure

Midnight until as late as 5 a.m.

(D)-Eastbound Airport Drive (from the airport) to US 2 (& I 90 Spokane)—Closed for grinding

Tuesday evening, September 3 into Wednesday morning, September 4

Midnight until as late 5 a.m.

(D)-Eastbound Airport Drive (from the airport) to US 2 (& I 90 Spokane)—Closed for paving

There will be no work from 5 a.m. Friday, August 29 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 2. 

In addition to the full closures listed above, beginning on Wednesday, August 27 through September 4 (except during the holiday weekend), between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. grinding and paving operations will be scheduled for ramp segments with multiple lanes.  The affected ramps will remain open with traffic reduced to one lane during this work.  Drivers should expect lane restrictions, slower traffic, and congestion on these multi-lane ramp and freeway sections in the vicinity of the airport between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.  Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time to reach their destinations during these hours, to avoid missing flight connections.

SRTC Honored With Planning Award

Congratulations to our Transportation Planner Ryan and all SRTC staff who put time and effort into our Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), Horizon 2040, in 2012 and 2013. The plan is being recognized with a 2014 Joint Planning Award!

Each year, the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association (WA-APA) and the Planning Association of Washington (PAW) recognize outstanding contributions to the field of planning in Washington State with the Joint Awards Program. The program is designed to celebrate exemplary planning efforts and promote superior quality planning in government and the private sector. Because it is a new approach to transportation planning for the Spokane area, SRTC submitted Horizon 2040 for consideration for an award this year and received one for the “Transportation Plans” category.

Horizon 2040 is a long-term, multimodal “blueprint” for transportation aimed at meeting the mobility needs of the area through the year 2040. It is based on projections for growth in population, housing and jobs and takes into consideration every mode of transportation, such as private vehicles, public transit, bicycling, walking, freight movement, rail and air travel. 

What's different about Horizon 2040 from previous local long-range transportation plans is that it is a proactive effort at enhancing the quality of life for the region. By better coordinating projects and more selectively determining how transportation funds will be distributed, as detailed in Horizon 2040, we will have less congestion in our area, better connectivity between transportation modes, a positive impact on economic development and an overall better transportation system in the decades to come.

“This plan is important to the region because it sets goals, based on public input, as to how the transportation system will develop in the next 20-plus years,” says Kevin Wallace, Executive Director at SRTC. “This document will also help us measure our success, as it includes strategies to reach those goals. This is not a document that will just sit on a shelf.”

Body Scanners Get An "F" For Detecting Contraband

Can you find the hidden
weapon? It's a knife taped to the
spine with plumber's tape.

Well this is kind of frightening. Remember the airport "backscatter" x-ray machines that were so
controversial because they showed your every curve, sag and crevice? Well, apparently they weren't so good at showing contraband. Researchers at three colleges pooled their money and bought a brand new machine (off E-Bay no less), then took turns trying to smuggle guns, knives and fake explosives through it. Here's what happened.

City Called Out For Not Enforcing Centers and Corridors Guidelines

Spokane's City Council is taking another look at Centers and Corridors Guidelines and planning to revamp the document. Local blog Spokane Rising applauds the efforts but says the document isn't enforced anyway, so why bother unless the revisions include an enforcement mechanism?

One example a recent Spokane Rising article cites as a lack of enforcement is the new Target store on the south hill, which allegedly violated 21% of the requirements included in the Spokane Comprehensive Plan, the Spokane Municipal Code, and the 2009 Developers’ Agreements for the site. There are other examples presented as well. Check out the article and let me know your thoughts.

More Kids Hit By Cars In September Than Other Months

Start talking to your children because September is coming. That's the month when more children are hit by cars than any other month of the year, according to statistics.

It's not just children though, drivers need to be more aware as well as school gets underway. So why do the numbers jump in September? And what can you do to decrease the chance your child will get hit by a car?
KHQ News has some answers.

...And Another Article on The STA Plaza Situation

With the talk of the regional transportation world this week being the delay of improvements to the Spokane
Transit Plaza in downtown Spokane, at the request of local business groups, the Inlander chimes in with it's own piece on the possibility of moving the Plaza. With that said, a lot of people want to remind you that moving the Plaza isn't what the conversation between business leaders and STA officials is about. At this time, the only action on the table was to delay updates to the Plaza building.

In this Inlander article, some local elected officials attempt to put the record straight.

We Are So A Transit City. Transportation Choices Said So

Wow, this is a really nice shout-out for Spokane, from someone on the west side of the state. In a blog post, Transportation Choices, says Spokane may not have the traffic of the Puget Sound area and may be more culturally similar to cities in Montana, but we are indeed a transit city, despite what some people would tell you. He also crowns STA Planning Director Karl Otterstrom as a "transit hero." Here's the post. It's interesting reading.
Andrew Austin, Policy Director at

Spokane to Get New Skywalk; Some Say They're Detrimental to Businesses

Downtown Spokane is getting it's first new skywalk in two decades. The elevated walkway was approved by City Council yesterday and will connect the Convention Center with the Grand Hotel Spokane, which is under construction now. The Spokesman-Review has the story.

Not everyone was supportive though. While he voted for the skywalk, Councilmember Jon Snyder said skywalks are detrimental to ground-level stores. This article on Spokane Rising agrees, saying they take people off the streets and put them in sterile hallways, basically.

Thoughts?

SRTC Looking to Fill Transportation Planner Position

SRTC doesn't have job openings often because we've all been here so long, so this is a real opportunity for is here. Check it out and pass it on to anyone you know who would be interested.
someone. We're looking to fill one Planning position with either an Associate or Senior-level Transportation Planner. All the info you need to know if interested

Transportation Advisory Committee Meets Monday, Aug. 18

The next meeting of the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) is next Monday, August 18.
The agenda and packet is here. If anything on there interests you, feel free to attend the meeting. They're actually entertaining, while being productive, and a lot gets done. Every TAC meeting is open to the general public.

Construction To Start On Appleway Trail

This dirt path will be a real
asphalt path soon.

The Appleway Trail in Spokane Valley is about to become a reality. The Spokane Valley City Council recently approved the first phase of construction on the trail, between University and Pines Road. The pathway will initially provide a way for bicyclists and walkers to get from University to Evergreen Road but there are plans to eventually hook it into Liberty Lake's trail system. The Spokane Valley Herald has the details.

Spokane Valley Wants Bridging the Valley Projects Built

The Bridging the Valley series of projects aimed at making rail crossings through Spokane Valley and into Idaho safer is seeing a renewed interest, despite a lack of funding to build the projects included in it.

An article in today's Spokesman-Review newspaper talks about the project, originally crafted by SRTC, and why Spokane Valley is pushing for those projects to be built a decade later. It also talks about the challenges to getting these bridges built, namely a lack of funding and coordination with railroads.

Spokefest Coming Up On Sept. 7

Spokefest is coming up mighty fast, so if you haven't registered yet, get on it. Kids are $8 and adults $15 for the September 7 event, IF you get registered before August 31. The price goes up after that.

There are four routes this year and something for every skill level. You can ride the shortest route at one mile all the way up to 50 miles.

Here's more info and how to register.

Teen Hits Patrol Car Head On While Texting

Without getting a search warrant and checking your phone, it's often hard for police to confirm someone was texting while driving. But it was pretty obvious an Idaho teen was doing just that when he slammed head-on into a deputy's patrol car.

KTVB TV has the story.

By Day It's Just a Nice Looking Bike. By Night, It's a Rolling Reflector

Local Road Construction Update

WSDOT

US 2/Espanola Road to Interstate 90- On Monday, Aug. 18, beginning at 7 p.m. until as late as 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, Hayford Road will be closed to the north and south of US 2 in order to resurface the highway and install a signal system. Detours will be available. In general, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday through Friday, expect intermittent lane closures in the vicinity of Flint Rd. Be alert for flaggers directing traffic and trucks entering and exiting the roadway. Flint Road is closed from US 2 to the south and closed to the north between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Friday. Grinding and paving will continue between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. from FAFB through Airway Heights towards I-90.  

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 replacing light poles. Also watch for outside lane closures from 7 p.m. to the following morning at 6 a.m. 

I-90/Barker Road to Idaho Border- Crews are resurfacing the freeway during evenings and overnight hours, from about 7 p.m. until as late as 6 a.m. the following morning and on some weekends. 

SR 290-Trent Avenue/Pines to Sullivan Road- Be alert for lane restrictions as crews patch the asphalt.

NSC/BNSF Railway Structures/Realignment & Ped/Bike Trail Extension- Today, Aug. 14, possible short delays on Freya when girders are delivered as crews construct two bridges over the BNSF tracks and two pedestrian bridges.

SPOKANE CITY

Garland Street Between Monroe and Howard- Garland will be closed between Monroe and Howard and Wall, Post and Lincoln closed between Providence and Walton from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16.

Riverside Closure- Riverside will be closed between Washington and Bernard Street from 6 p.m. - Midnight on Friday, Aug. 16.

Division Street Sidewalk Closure- There will be a continuing sidewalk closure Wednesday, July 23 - Sunday, August 31 for demolition work at  1120 N. Division.

TBD Residential Grind and Overlay Project- The project will complete a grind and overlay repair on the following streets:

o   Pittsburg Street from Heroy Avenue to Wellesley Avenue and Heroy Avenue from Helena Street to Pittsburg Street and Arthur Street from 13^th Avenue to Newark Avenue (excluding 9^th Avenue west to 9^th Avenue east)

o   Downriver Drive from Aubrey L White Parkway to Columbia Circle

o   Excell Avenue from G Street to Audubon Drive

Hamblen School Sidewalk Project-Intermittent road work next week on Thurston in the area of Napa and Crestline. This project will construct various width sidewalks on various streets around Hamblen Elementary School, including ADA compliant curb ramps on all corners where new sidewalk is constructed. 

Lincoln/Monroe Resurfacing- Reconstruction of the street by replacing the asphalt surfacing, including ADA ramps as needed. Lincoln/Monroe street will be closed from 7^th-17^th Avenues through mid-October.

High Drive from 29th Avenue to Bernard- This project includes pavement reconstruction, CSO storage facilities, storm, sewer, swales, and water main replacement. 

North Division Sidewalk Project- This project will construct missing sidewalk in gaps adjacent to Division between Empire and Lyons. There will be a right lane closure from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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.

SPOKANE VALLEY
Appleway Boulevard from Thierman to Park- Reduced to two lanes eastbound through early September for resurfacing, stormwater drainage improvements, and sidewalk work.

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


8^th Avenue from McKinnon to Fancher- Closed to all but local traffic beginning August 19 through mid-September for resurfacing and stormwater drainage improvements. 

SPOKANE COUNTY

Country Homes Restoration Project - The southbound lane of Country Homes Blvd. from Cedar Rd. to Wall St., southbound lane is closed to thru traffic.  Northbound lane is open with occasional restrictions.

Bruce Rd. Bridge Replacement/Road Work - The bridge is closed for replacement and will not reopen until October or November. A detour is in place.

Farwell Rd. (Market St. to North Spokane Corridor) - Under construction, watch for lane restrictions.