A new study by the Associated Press study reviewed data from the 20 most heavily-traveled bridges with structural deficiencies in each state.
The survey found limited progress toward the goal of making repairs.
Here's a link to the story on the KHQ website.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
New Construction Project Starting
A project to rehabilitate Hatch Road from 43rd to 54th avenues will begin Monday, August 4.
Taht stretch of Hatch will be closed to traffic. Motorists traveling southbound will be detoured to 37th Ave. and then onto Perry St., and northbound traffic will be detoured from 57th Ave. to Perry St. Alternate routes include Crestline and Regal streets. The Manito Golf Course will remain open.
Taht stretch of Hatch will be closed to traffic. Motorists traveling southbound will be detoured to 37th Ave. and then onto Perry St., and northbound traffic will be detoured from 57th Ave. to Perry St. Alternate routes include Crestline and Regal streets. The Manito Golf Course will remain open.
More Early Warning
Beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, through 7 a.m. Monday, August 4, Spokane Falls Blvd. from Washington to Browne streets will be completely closed to traffic for paving. Additionally, Washington and Bernard streets will be closed to traffic at their intersections with Spokane Falls Blvd. Motorists traveling northbound on Washington or Bernard streets will be detoured to Division St. Westbound traffic on Spokane Falls Blvd. will be detoured to Riverside Ave.
Limited access has been coordinated with businesses in the area.
Limited access has been coordinated with businesses in the area.
Early Warning For You Sunday Drivers
On Sunday, August 3rd, from 4:00 a.m. until as late as 9:00 a.m., northbound Division Street will be reduced to one lane at the Spokane River Bridge so that crews can do joint repairs on the bridge.
Read SRTC's Revised Public Involvement Policy... Please
Being a government agency, SRTC is required to have a 'Public Involvement Policy' showing all the ways we interact with the public such as through tools like this blog, news releases, public meetings, etc., etc.
We recently updated that policy to better meet federal and state public participation requirements and now we're asking you, the public, to take a look at it and give us some feedback. Here's a link.
After you look at it, let us know: are we doing all we can to reach people like yourself? How do you prefer to get your transportation news? Are public meetings a thing of the past? If you have suggestions, opinions, ideas on the subject- let us know. You can do so by emailing us or by mailing comments to SRTC, 221 W. First Ave., Suite 310, Spokane, WA 99201.
Comment are due by Sept. 17, 2008.
We recently updated that policy to better meet federal and state public participation requirements and now we're asking you, the public, to take a look at it and give us some feedback. Here's a link.
After you look at it, let us know: are we doing all we can to reach people like yourself? How do you prefer to get your transportation news? Are public meetings a thing of the past? If you have suggestions, opinions, ideas on the subject- let us know. You can do so by emailing us or by mailing comments to SRTC, 221 W. First Ave., Suite 310, Spokane, WA 99201.
Comment are due by Sept. 17, 2008.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sometimes being in the top ten isn't all that much fun
Forbes Magazine has been good to Spokane over the years, favorably editorializing on the quality of life we have here. They have even ranked our state as one of the top five places to do business. But now this... Forbes just ranked Washington State in the top 10 states for high gas taxes. On the bright side, we are pretty low on that list. There are still six states that are taxing there residents significantly higher than us.
The state gas tax is currently at 37.5 per gallon, but that still is not enough to cover all the needs that mounting in Washington. It is likely that the legislature will look at raising it again in 2009. It is also possible that the state might look at other sources of revenue to ease the "pain at the pump." We'll just have to wait and see.
In the meantime, let's play King for the day. If you were king (or queen), how would you propose to raise the money necessary to meet our state's transportation needs?
West Side Travel Time Tool
Travelling to Seattle this summer for recreation or to see the sights? If you have destinations on the west side in mind,try the WSDOT's '95% reliable travel times' tool.
You can enter starting and destination city and arrival time for many central Puget sound cities, and it will return to you an estimated amount of time it will take to get there. And the name? WSDOT says that 95% of the time this is how long it will take to get to your destination.
You can enter starting and destination city and arrival time for many central Puget sound cities, and it will return to you an estimated amount of time it will take to get there. And the name? WSDOT says that 95% of the time this is how long it will take to get to your destination.
Asphalt Shortage Effects Washington State Projects
A change in the type of oil processed at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes has led to a liquid asphalt shortage for at least four counties in Washington, affecting miles of road maintenance.
Here's the story.
Here's the story.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Thanks For Clearing This Up Dave
Spokesman-Review Letters to the editor
Meter information clearly posted
I am pleased to clarify observations made by Tracey L. Whybrow ("Post parking meter schedule," July 20), which suggested that meter stickers or street signs be provided to indicate to motorists what hours the city meters are in operation.
A 2 ½"-by-1" black-on-white placard is normally mounted on the curb side of every parking meter. It is located inside a clear polycarbonate dome, to protect the placard from the elements, and states, "Hours of Operation are 8AM to 7PM except Sundays." On the opposite side of the meter, where coins are deposited, there is another placard stating the amount of time that can be purchased for each coin denomination and a label indicating the maximum allowable parking period (90 minutes, two hours, three hours, etc.).
Unfortunately, installing and maintaining street signs on every block to list meter operating hours would be an expensive effort and would add to the litany of messages that already compete for the attention of drivers in a downtown core environment.
We invite citizens having concerns about parking meters to contact the Street Department at 232-8800 and provide information regarding the problem and location of meters in question. We appreciate citizen input and will investigate any reported problems as soon as possible.
Dave Shaw
Traffic control supervisor, Spokane Street Department
Meter information clearly posted
I am pleased to clarify observations made by Tracey L. Whybrow ("Post parking meter schedule," July 20), which suggested that meter stickers or street signs be provided to indicate to motorists what hours the city meters are in operation.
A 2 ½"-by-1" black-on-white placard is normally mounted on the curb side of every parking meter. It is located inside a clear polycarbonate dome, to protect the placard from the elements, and states, "Hours of Operation are 8AM to 7PM except Sundays." On the opposite side of the meter, where coins are deposited, there is another placard stating the amount of time that can be purchased for each coin denomination and a label indicating the maximum allowable parking period (90 minutes, two hours, three hours, etc.).
Unfortunately, installing and maintaining street signs on every block to list meter operating hours would be an expensive effort and would add to the litany of messages that already compete for the attention of drivers in a downtown core environment.
We invite citizens having concerns about parking meters to contact the Street Department at 232-8800 and provide information regarding the problem and location of meters in question. We appreciate citizen input and will investigate any reported problems as soon as possible.
Dave Shaw
Traffic control supervisor, Spokane Street Department
Anyone Looking To Put A Tourist Attraction In Their (Very Big) Back Yard?
Four 80-year-old ferries pulled from service on Washington's Puget Sound didn't receive a single bid when listed on EBay last week.
The minimum bid was $350,000 each. Still, a spokeswoman for the ferry system says there are some people interested in purchasing the boats.
She says potential buyers have expressed an interest in buying all four at a lower, nondisclosed price.
The minimum bid was $350,000 each. Still, a spokeswoman for the ferry system says there are some people interested in purchasing the boats.
She says potential buyers have expressed an interest in buying all four at a lower, nondisclosed price.
KXLY Piece On Cross-State Transit
Spokane Transit Authority has recently started crunching the numbers with agencies in North Idaho (including SRTC sister agency Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization) to determine the feasibility of implementing public transit between Post Falls and Spokane. At a recent 'Public Transportation Roundtable,' a new committee formed by KMPO, the discussion was what kind of route to provide; a through route with a variety of stops or a direct commuter route from Post Falls straight to downtown Spokane with limited stops. The consensus was to provide a little of both. The talks are in the early stages so it will still be a while before you can use public transportation to travel between Spokane and North Idaho. In the meantime, here's a piece KXLY did on the situation yesterday.
Monday, July 28, 2008
New Construction Project Starting
A project to rehabilitate Driscoll Blvd. from Alberta to Assembly streets starts today. Both Driscoll and Alberta will be closed to traffic and a 4-way stop will be posted at Wellesley Ave. and Driscoll Blvd.
The $2,170,000 project is funded with money from Spokane Transit Authority and City of Spokane funds.
The $2,170,000 project is funded with money from Spokane Transit Authority and City of Spokane funds.
Driving Down Nearly 5% In June
The Washington State Department of Transportation says traffic was nearly 5 percent less last month than it was in 2007, 2006 and in 2005.
Here's a link to their blog and some very interesting facts and figures.
And if you're interested in even more traffic info, the WSDOT's 'Annual Traffic Report' summarizes traffic data maintained for the State Highway System. The report includes Annual Average Daily Traffic figures and truck percentages, a table of Average Weekday Traffic, and Annual Vehicle Miles of Travel information for the State Highway System, among other information.
Here's a link to the Annual Traffic Report
Here's a link to their blog and some very interesting facts and figures.
And if you're interested in even more traffic info, the WSDOT's 'Annual Traffic Report' summarizes traffic data maintained for the State Highway System. The report includes Annual Average Daily Traffic figures and truck percentages, a table of Average Weekday Traffic, and Annual Vehicle Miles of Travel information for the State Highway System, among other information.
Here's a link to the Annual Traffic Report
Roundup For the Week of July 28
A possible cross-state bus link, Highway 2 construction, and surveillance on Washington State ferries: Here's what's happening in our area this week courtesy of the Spokesman-Review's 'Getting There' column.
Friday, July 25, 2008
This should be a fun ride, and the money goes to a good cause...
The Panhandle Public Health Foundation (PPHF) believes quality of life starts with a physically, mentally and emotionally healthy population. That's why the foundation raises money to promote public health programs such as low-cost clinics, senior companionship and child abuse prevention in the five northern counties.
Saturday, Aug. 16, is PPHF's second annual Pedalin' for Public Health bike ride on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. The family event stretches from Plummer to Enaville and ranges from 15 to 43 scenic miles. Most importantly, it raises money for public health projects that improve life for everyone in the Panhandle.
The ride starts anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration costs $25 for adults and $5 for children. Adult registrations by Aug. 8 include a T-shirt. To register, visit www.pphf.net.
PPHF was able to award $3,000 in public health grants this year thanks in part to enthusiastic participation last year in Pedalin' for Public Health. Don't miss out on a perfect family outing that has the potential to benefit thousands.
JEANNE BOCK, PHD Director
KAY KINDIG, PPHF Chairman
Saturday, Aug. 16, is PPHF's second annual Pedalin' for Public Health bike ride on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. The family event stretches from Plummer to Enaville and ranges from 15 to 43 scenic miles. Most importantly, it raises money for public health projects that improve life for everyone in the Panhandle.
The ride starts anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration costs $25 for adults and $5 for children. Adult registrations by Aug. 8 include a T-shirt. To register, visit www.pphf.net.
PPHF was able to award $3,000 in public health grants this year thanks in part to enthusiastic participation last year in Pedalin' for Public Health. Don't miss out on a perfect family outing that has the potential to benefit thousands.
JEANNE BOCK, PHD Director
KAY KINDIG, PPHF Chairman
Thursday, July 24, 2008
SRTC July Newsletter
SRTC's July newsletter is finally out.Click here to see what we've been up to so far this summer.
Post & Wall Streets Closed
For the few of you who haven't heard, Post and Wall Streets downtown are closed from First to Second avenues indefinetely, due to a fire at the Joel Building at 161 S. Post St.
We'll keep you updated.
We'll keep you updated.
Would You Support A 'Bike There' Function On Google?
Google recently partnered on an initiative that measured how walkable neighborhoods are. Since then, a lot of people have been saying how cool it would be if they did the same with bike routes and facilities.
And some people aren't waiting for Google to think it up themselves, they've started a petition to ask Google to add a 'Bike There' function to their mapping capabilities.
The Metro Spokane blog has more information and a link to the petition.
And some people aren't waiting for Google to think it up themselves, they've started a petition to ask Google to add a 'Bike There' function to their mapping capabilities.
The Metro Spokane blog has more information and a link to the petition.
US 2/Deep Creek bridge work starts Monday
I won't be here tomorrow so here's your construction warning for Monday morning:
Work begins Monday, July 28th on the US 2/Deep Creek Bridge in western Spokane County. The project consists of replacing the deteriorated bridge rail and grinding out the existing asphalt surface and repaving.
Drivers can expect single lane traffic directed by flaggers and a temporary traffic signal system. A reduced speed of 30 mph will be in place through the work zone.
The project should be completed by early October.
Work begins Monday, July 28th on the US 2/Deep Creek Bridge in western Spokane County. The project consists of replacing the deteriorated bridge rail and grinding out the existing asphalt surface and repaving.
Drivers can expect single lane traffic directed by flaggers and a temporary traffic signal system. A reduced speed of 30 mph will be in place through the work zone.
The project should be completed by early October.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Is this a good problem to have?
It seems that all of the bicycle traffic, and disregard for the rules of the road, in Portland has drawn the attention of law enforcement. They have had emphasis patrols out for the past couple of days to "re-educate" all modes of commuters -- but primarily bicyclists on the traffic rules.
Most violators are receiving warnings, but a couple of citations have been issued. One has to believe that this emphasis was sparked in part by recent road rage incidents between motorists and bicyclists in Portland. You can read the full story here.
Okay, I admit it. When I ride my bike, I rarely follow the same rules I would ordinarily follow in my car. I can see where that could become problematic, so I will vow to change my ways.
How about you...do you always follow the proper rules while bicycling?
UPDATE: Huckleberries Online linked our post here to a discussion over there. Also, a Spokesman Review editor named Ken Paulman provided this link to Washington's bicycling laws. It's pretty interesting stuff.
Most violators are receiving warnings, but a couple of citations have been issued. One has to believe that this emphasis was sparked in part by recent road rage incidents between motorists and bicyclists in Portland. You can read the full story here.
Okay, I admit it. When I ride my bike, I rarely follow the same rules I would ordinarily follow in my car. I can see where that could become problematic, so I will vow to change my ways.
How about you...do you always follow the proper rules while bicycling?
UPDATE: Huckleberries Online linked our post here to a discussion over there. Also, a Spokesman Review editor named Ken Paulman provided this link to Washington's bicycling laws. It's pretty interesting stuff.
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