Spokesman-Review Letters To The Editor
Trickle-down clunkers?
If the government was really serious about getting clunker cars off the road they would now have a lottery and let people with the real clunkers have a shot at trading in their car outright for one of the pretty decent cars that are now slated to be destroyed.
The reality is that the people driving the real clunkers weren’t out last weekend buying brand new cars, because they couldn’t afford it even if you gave them $4,500. Why not trade the poor person’s junker for someone else’s “not-so-clunker”?
Karen Szakonyi
Newman Lake
I know we've talked about this recently, but I thought Ms. Szakonyi has a point about the people who really need efficient cars not being able to afford them. $4,500 doesn't make a big difference when you're making monthly payments on a $20,000 car.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Haven Street Open Again
Haven Street has just reopened to southbound traffic from Francis to Garland avenues. The street was closed as part of the rehabilitation of the Market Street corridor in Hillyard. That project is still underway and includes rehabilitating Market and Haven streets from Garland to Francis avenues and paving the following dirt streets: Rowan, Sanson, Everett, and Wabash avenues, from Market Street east to the railroad right-of-way.
Market Street from Garland to Francis avenues remains closed. Wellesley Avenue is open to traffic; and local access is being maintained on Broad, Wabash, Olympic, Queen, Diamond, and Rowan avenues from Haven to Market streets. Motorists are detoured to Crestline Street at Garland and Francis avenues.
The $5.6 million project is being funded by the City’s 10-Year Street Bond and state sources. Work is expected to be complete by mid-November.
Market Street from Garland to Francis avenues remains closed. Wellesley Avenue is open to traffic; and local access is being maintained on Broad, Wabash, Olympic, Queen, Diamond, and Rowan avenues from Haven to Market streets. Motorists are detoured to Crestline Street at Garland and Francis avenues.
The $5.6 million project is being funded by the City’s 10-Year Street Bond and state sources. Work is expected to be complete by mid-November.
City Council To Host Hearing On Revitalization Area
The Spokane City Council has scheduled a hearing on the formation of the University District Revitalization Area (UDRA) for next Monday, August 17, 2009.
Formation of the revitalization area is enabled through legislation passed in 2009, 2SSB 5045, and is a new form of tax increment financing in Washington state. This legislation authorizes reallocation of existing taxes - it is not a new tax. Spokane was selected as a pilot project in the legislation. This will be the only hearing and opportunity for testimony regarding UDRA.
Formation of the Revitalization Area enables incremental increase in revenue from local property tax, local sales tax, and a contribution of state sales tax to be directed toward economic development efforts within the boundaries of UDRA. As required by 2SSB 5045, projects for potential implementation are listed in the ordinance. Possible projects that may be funded in part or whole by UDRA include streetscape improvements, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, water and sewer upgrades, Centennial and Ben Burr trails, park and recreation facilities, shoreline restoration, stormwater management systems, Division Street Gateway Corridor and the University District Bicycle/Pedestrian bridge.
Here's more information on the Revitalization Area and the hearing.
Formation of the revitalization area is enabled through legislation passed in 2009, 2SSB 5045, and is a new form of tax increment financing in Washington state. This legislation authorizes reallocation of existing taxes - it is not a new tax. Spokane was selected as a pilot project in the legislation. This will be the only hearing and opportunity for testimony regarding UDRA.
Formation of the Revitalization Area enables incremental increase in revenue from local property tax, local sales tax, and a contribution of state sales tax to be directed toward economic development efforts within the boundaries of UDRA. As required by 2SSB 5045, projects for potential implementation are listed in the ordinance. Possible projects that may be funded in part or whole by UDRA include streetscape improvements, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, water and sewer upgrades, Centennial and Ben Burr trails, park and recreation facilities, shoreline restoration, stormwater management systems, Division Street Gateway Corridor and the University District Bicycle/Pedestrian bridge.
Here's more information on the Revitalization Area and the hearing.
Time To Register For SpokeFest
SpokeFest is coming- have you registered yet?
After a great launch last year with 1,255 participants, organizers are braced for anywhere from 3,000-5,000 people for this years event, which takes place Sunday, September 13.
Starting on Spokane Falls Boulevard and ending on the Post Street Bridge in downtown Spokane, SpokeFest offers two routes, a 21-mile route and a 1-mile route. The 21-mile route is a loop that covers some of Spokane’s most beautiful riding, including the Aubrey L. White Parkway, Riverside State Park and a finish atop the Spokane Falls. The 1-mile loop runs through Riverfront Park and is perfect for families, young riders and those wanting to stay in our urban park.
For more information and to register go to the SpokeFest website by clicking here.
After a great launch last year with 1,255 participants, organizers are braced for anywhere from 3,000-5,000 people for this years event, which takes place Sunday, September 13.
Starting on Spokane Falls Boulevard and ending on the Post Street Bridge in downtown Spokane, SpokeFest offers two routes, a 21-mile route and a 1-mile route. The 21-mile route is a loop that covers some of Spokane’s most beautiful riding, including the Aubrey L. White Parkway, Riverside State Park and a finish atop the Spokane Falls. The 1-mile loop runs through Riverfront Park and is perfect for families, young riders and those wanting to stay in our urban park.
For more information and to register go to the SpokeFest website by clicking here.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Did you see the smoke?
A grass-and-timber fire sent smoke over Interstate 90 near Spokane and caused intermittent lane closures on westbound lanes, the Spokesman Reveiw reported Monday afternoon.
The fire was called in shortly after noon and started in the vicinity of milepost 276 on the north side of the freeway near the Geiger Boulevard exit.
The state patrol, the state Department of Transportation and fire crews responded to the scene, and the fire was brought under control after more than an hour.
You know what is cool about this story. The Spokesman Review linked to our new SRTMC web site so their readers could view the fire live. it's always nice to feel needed in that way... Ok, here is the SRTMC website just in case you are interested.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Three dozen fatalities ...man, what a shame
The Spokesman Review did a great piece on the traffic fatalities that have plagued our region recently. While driving conditions have been treacherous over the past couple of winters, it seems to me that drivers are actually worse in the summer months. Maybe it's a false sense of security people have. All of these accidents are tragic, but the one that haunts me right now is the accident last week on Magnesium. A woman lost her life prematurely only because another person felt a need to speed so fast that he lost control of his vehicle and wound up killing an innocent person. Be careful out there... Here is the story.
Here is the city's obstruction list!
* On Tuesday, Aug. 11, the Newport Hwy. near its intersection with Westview Ave.will be reduced by one lane northbound so crews can install a water tap.
* Traffic signals at the intersection of Lincoln St. and 14th Avenue will not be operational until Aug. 14, while crews upgrade the signal standards. When the power’s out, everybody stops. Four-way stop signs are in place. Motorists should use caution and allow vehicles to take turns.
* Browne St. from Spokane Falls Blvd. to Main Ave. will have pedestrian and parking restrictions until August 20. Crews will doing underground utility work.
* Eighth Ave. from Sunset Blvd. to Government Way remains closed as part of the Fish Lake Trail project. The project is progressing. Crews have completed clearing and are installing the bridge fence.
* City Street Department crews are out:
o Crack sealing Howard St. from Boone to Indiana avenues.
o Repairing the following streets during working hours:
* Sprague Ave. from Freya to Havana streets—will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
* 37th Ave. from Freya to Ray streets—will be reduced by one lane on Monday and Tuesday. Flaggers will be in place.
* Repairing potholes. Call 625-7733 to report a pothole; please include the location and approximate size of the hole.
More details in the comments section...
* Traffic signals at the intersection of Lincoln St. and 14th Avenue will not be operational until Aug. 14, while crews upgrade the signal standards. When the power’s out, everybody stops. Four-way stop signs are in place. Motorists should use caution and allow vehicles to take turns.
* Browne St. from Spokane Falls Blvd. to Main Ave. will have pedestrian and parking restrictions until August 20. Crews will doing underground utility work.
* Eighth Ave. from Sunset Blvd. to Government Way remains closed as part of the Fish Lake Trail project. The project is progressing. Crews have completed clearing and are installing the bridge fence.
* City Street Department crews are out:
o Crack sealing Howard St. from Boone to Indiana avenues.
o Repairing the following streets during working hours:
* Sprague Ave. from Freya to Havana streets—will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
* 37th Ave. from Freya to Ray streets—will be reduced by one lane on Monday and Tuesday. Flaggers will be in place.
* Repairing potholes. Call 625-7733 to report a pothole; please include the location and approximate size of the hole.
More details in the comments section...
Looks like we are on track...
Cindy Green from the Spokane County Health District sent this along last week. It's an interesting piece, and what struck me is that as lot of the recommended activities are already being employed to some degree throughout our region... Read for yourself:
Writing in Preventive Medicine, Edward Maibach of Fairfax, Va.-based George Mason University and colleagues suggest that approximately one-half of U.S. car trips are less than five miles, a distance that could be easily navigated on foot or by bike, United Press International reports. According to Maibach, reducing the frequency of such short trips could produce multiple benefits, including positive effects for the environment through reduced pollutant emissions and health benefits for individuals stemming from increased physical activity. Maibach cites examples of proven, low-cost strategies that communities can employ to encourage residents to reduce short-distance car trips, such as city bike-sharing initiatives, the distribution of walking and cycling maps, and "walking school buses" in which children and parents walk together to local schools. In addition, Maibach calls for government officials and community leaders to support policy changes that promote active transportation, including reducing speed limits, making intersections safer for cyclists and closing select roads to cars. Want to know more? Check out the whole article here.
Writing in Preventive Medicine, Edward Maibach of Fairfax, Va.-based George Mason University and colleagues suggest that approximately one-half of U.S. car trips are less than five miles, a distance that could be easily navigated on foot or by bike, United Press International reports. According to Maibach, reducing the frequency of such short trips could produce multiple benefits, including positive effects for the environment through reduced pollutant emissions and health benefits for individuals stemming from increased physical activity. Maibach cites examples of proven, low-cost strategies that communities can employ to encourage residents to reduce short-distance car trips, such as city bike-sharing initiatives, the distribution of walking and cycling maps, and "walking school buses" in which children and parents walk together to local schools. In addition, Maibach calls for government officials and community leaders to support policy changes that promote active transportation, including reducing speed limits, making intersections safer for cyclists and closing select roads to cars. Want to know more? Check out the whole article here.
North South Corridor set to open!
It's been roughly 50 years in the making, and now the first leg is finally ready to be used. Check out the day's activities here.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Transportation engineers get no respect...
The letter below ran in the Coeur d'Alene Press today. This guy clearly does not like roundabouts. Certainly things could be worse (like the photo above). I am no engineer, but I like roundabouts -- especially in residential areas because they tend to calm traffic down. Plus they are easier to navigate than a four-way stop.
I don't know about you, but it seriously bugs me when I pull up to a four-way stop and someone decides to go out of turn, or the person who is supposed to go won't go. Then everybody starts waving each other through...Ugh! At least with a roundabout everything seems to flow fairly smoothly. Ok, here is the letter already:
Several weeks ago the citizens of Dalton Gardens received notices in the mail regarding a roundabout that would be built at the intersection of Fourth and Hanley. This structure was to be built in this location primarily as a safety factor that would reduce accidents. The notification stressed that this project would require several months to complete and require rerouting of Fourth Street as well as the Hanley traffic.
In the interim I have had numerous discussions with neighbors regarding the feasibility of this questionable project. To this point in time I have not found anyone who feels it is beneficial in any way to the citizens of Dalton Gardens, or our neighbors.
Were our citizens informed during the planning stages of this fanciful merry-go-round? I don't recall receiving any notice informing the citizenry of such a plan to be discussed in Dalton City Hall Chambers. Can someone please tell me what the cost of this misplaced monstrosity will be? Was it part of a stimulus package that really won't cost the taxpayers anything? Who was the brain child engineer who drew up the plans to place this contrivance in such a location as this?
Would the genius responsible for this premeditated pipe dream please step forward to accept such accolades as we may bestow on him?
DEAN HIRSCH
Dalton Gardens
Thursday, August 6, 2009
WSDOT just released a construction update...
Here are the projects in the Spokane Metro area and there status:
Spokane Area Projects
I-90/Spokane Area Rut Repair and Ramp Paving (resurfacing MP 281-284 plus ramps MP 275-291)
Traffic Impacts: Roadway work is underway on resurfacing the through lanes from Division Street to Havana Street. Drivers should expect lane restrictions, slow traffic, and congestion from 7pm to 6am. Motorists should also be alert for grooved pavement and abrupt lane edges. Drivers should also watch for rough asphalt pavement.
Project description: Rehabilitate concrete freeway surface from Division Interchange through the Hamilton Interchange. Asphalt paving from Hamilton Interchange to Havana Street. Asphalt on and off ramp paving for selected ramps between Geiger Blvd to Sullivan Road. Asphalt paving on westbound I-90 near Flora Road. Freeway sign replacement.
Project website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i90/spokanerutrepair
I-90 Westbound/Bridge Deck Repair (MP 270-Just west of the Cheney/Four Lakes Interchange)
Traffic Impacts: On Tuesday, August 11 from about 7:30 a.m. to as late as 3:00 p.m., westbound I-90 will be reduced to one lane at the BNSF Railroad bridge just west of the Cheney/Four Lakes Interchange.
Project Description: Bridge Deck Repair.
I-90 Westbound-Hamilton Street Interchange westbound on ramp/Deck Repair (MP 282)
Traffic Impacts: On Wednesday, August 12, from about 9:00 a.m. until as late as 3:00 p.m., the Hamilton Interchange, westbound I-90on ramp will be reduced to one lane.
Project Description: Repairs to the on ramp bridge that crosses over I-90.
North Spokane Corridor/Freya to Farwell PCCP Paving
Traffic Impacts: Minor items. Possible lane restrictions on Farwell Rd.
Project Description: This contract paves the NSC two-lane driving surface with Portland Cement Concrete Pavement. Improvements on Farwell Road are included.
Corridor Website: www.nscfreeway.com
Project Website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US395/NorthSpokaneCorridor/Francis_Farwell
North Spokane Corridor/BNSF Tunnel
Traffic Impacts: Work is underway. No traffic impacts.
Project Description: Construct an arch tunnel for the BNSF railroad adjacent to Market Street. The new freeway lanes will pass over the tracks. Tunnel is complete. Work is underway on backfilling and roadway over the tunnel.
Corridor Website: www.nscfreeway.com
Project Website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US395/NorthSpokaneCorridor/Francis_Farwell
North Spokane Corridor/US 2 Lowering and Bridges
Traffic Impacts: In general, southbound US 2 is still reduced to one lane. The legal speed limit on US 2 from the Farwell Road vicinity to the SR 206 vicinity has been reduced to 45 mph. Southbound wide loads over 10 feet wide must use the signed detour via Market Street to Farwell Rd. Southbound motorists should expect congestion. Also, the contractor is hauling material along the new freeway route from US 2 south and Parksmith Dr. is currently closed to traffic. Pile driving for bridge support structures is underway. Nearby residents may hear the equipment and feel some vibration. Drivers on Farwell Road near the NSC should be alert for flaggers and crossing trucks plus pedestrian bridge construction. Sidewalks on Farwell near the NSC bridges will be closed for pedestrian bridge construction.
Project Description: Excavate US 2 grade to pass under the new freeway alignment. Construct new culvert under US 2 for Deadman Creek. Build six new bridges for US 2/NSC Interchange.
Corridor Website: www.nscfreeway.com
Project Website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US395/NorthSpokaneCorridor/US2_Wand_Low
SR 27/Pines Road &I-90 Interchange Improvements(MP 86)
Traffic Impacts: Minor items.
Project Description: New signal at Mansfield with I-90 ramp modifications. This is a City of Spokane Valley project in partnership with WSDOT. For specific project information and lane restriction status, call 921-1000.
SR 206/Jct US 2 to Bruce Rd Paving
Traffic Impacts: Paving underway. Drivers on SR 206 may be delayed due to pilot car operation and congestion. Today (Thursday, Aug. 6) and Tomorrow (Friday, August 7) between 8:30 a.m. and around 11:00 a.m., there are short term closures on SR 206 at the Bruce Road roundabout when the paving operations are adjacent to that intersection. Other than that, SR 206 will be open to traffic with single lane traffic directed by flaggers and pilot cars. Paving operations should be complete by late Friday, August 8th, depending on weather. Signing, paing, and shoulder work planned for the week of August 10-14.
Project Description This project will pave a little over 2 miles of SR 206/Mt Spokane Park Drive from US 2 to Bruce Rd.
Project Website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/pavementrehab/sr206us2tobruce
SR 291/Utility Work Spokane City Limits to Ridgecrest Rd. (MP 4-7)
Traffic Impacts: Shoulder closures and possible lane restrictions.
Project Description: Avisita Utilities will be placing a new gas line adjacent to the roadway. For information, contact Avista at (509)495-4424.
Spokane Area Projects
I-90/Spokane Area Rut Repair and Ramp Paving (resurfacing MP 281-284 plus ramps MP 275-291)
Traffic Impacts: Roadway work is underway on resurfacing the through lanes from Division Street to Havana Street. Drivers should expect lane restrictions, slow traffic, and congestion from 7pm to 6am. Motorists should also be alert for grooved pavement and abrupt lane edges. Drivers should also watch for rough asphalt pavement.
Project description: Rehabilitate concrete freeway surface from Division Interchange through the Hamilton Interchange. Asphalt paving from Hamilton Interchange to Havana Street. Asphalt on and off ramp paving for selected ramps between Geiger Blvd to Sullivan Road. Asphalt paving on westbound I-90 near Flora Road. Freeway sign replacement.
Project website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i90/spokanerutrepair
I-90 Westbound/Bridge Deck Repair (MP 270-Just west of the Cheney/Four Lakes Interchange)
Traffic Impacts: On Tuesday, August 11 from about 7:30 a.m. to as late as 3:00 p.m., westbound I-90 will be reduced to one lane at the BNSF Railroad bridge just west of the Cheney/Four Lakes Interchange.
Project Description: Bridge Deck Repair.
I-90 Westbound-Hamilton Street Interchange westbound on ramp/Deck Repair (MP 282)
Traffic Impacts: On Wednesday, August 12, from about 9:00 a.m. until as late as 3:00 p.m., the Hamilton Interchange, westbound I-90on ramp will be reduced to one lane.
Project Description: Repairs to the on ramp bridge that crosses over I-90.
North Spokane Corridor/Freya to Farwell PCCP Paving
Traffic Impacts: Minor items. Possible lane restrictions on Farwell Rd.
Project Description: This contract paves the NSC two-lane driving surface with Portland Cement Concrete Pavement. Improvements on Farwell Road are included.
Corridor Website: www.nscfreeway.com
Project Website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US395/NorthSpokaneCorridor/Francis_Farwell
North Spokane Corridor/BNSF Tunnel
Traffic Impacts: Work is underway. No traffic impacts.
Project Description: Construct an arch tunnel for the BNSF railroad adjacent to Market Street. The new freeway lanes will pass over the tracks. Tunnel is complete. Work is underway on backfilling and roadway over the tunnel.
Corridor Website: www.nscfreeway.com
Project Website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US395/NorthSpokaneCorridor/Francis_Farwell
North Spokane Corridor/US 2 Lowering and Bridges
Traffic Impacts: In general, southbound US 2 is still reduced to one lane. The legal speed limit on US 2 from the Farwell Road vicinity to the SR 206 vicinity has been reduced to 45 mph. Southbound wide loads over 10 feet wide must use the signed detour via Market Street to Farwell Rd. Southbound motorists should expect congestion. Also, the contractor is hauling material along the new freeway route from US 2 south and Parksmith Dr. is currently closed to traffic. Pile driving for bridge support structures is underway. Nearby residents may hear the equipment and feel some vibration. Drivers on Farwell Road near the NSC should be alert for flaggers and crossing trucks plus pedestrian bridge construction. Sidewalks on Farwell near the NSC bridges will be closed for pedestrian bridge construction.
Project Description: Excavate US 2 grade to pass under the new freeway alignment. Construct new culvert under US 2 for Deadman Creek. Build six new bridges for US 2/NSC Interchange.
Corridor Website: www.nscfreeway.com
Project Website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US395/NorthSpokaneCorridor/US2_Wand_Low
SR 27/Pines Road &I-90 Interchange Improvements(MP 86)
Traffic Impacts: Minor items.
Project Description: New signal at Mansfield with I-90 ramp modifications. This is a City of Spokane Valley project in partnership with WSDOT. For specific project information and lane restriction status, call 921-1000.
SR 206/Jct US 2 to Bruce Rd Paving
Traffic Impacts: Paving underway. Drivers on SR 206 may be delayed due to pilot car operation and congestion. Today (Thursday, Aug. 6) and Tomorrow (Friday, August 7) between 8:30 a.m. and around 11:00 a.m., there are short term closures on SR 206 at the Bruce Road roundabout when the paving operations are adjacent to that intersection. Other than that, SR 206 will be open to traffic with single lane traffic directed by flaggers and pilot cars. Paving operations should be complete by late Friday, August 8th, depending on weather. Signing, paing, and shoulder work planned for the week of August 10-14.
Project Description This project will pave a little over 2 miles of SR 206/Mt Spokane Park Drive from US 2 to Bruce Rd.
Project Website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/pavementrehab/sr206us2tobruce
SR 291/Utility Work Spokane City Limits to Ridgecrest Rd. (MP 4-7)
Traffic Impacts: Shoulder closures and possible lane restrictions.
Project Description: Avisita Utilities will be placing a new gas line adjacent to the roadway. For information, contact Avista at (509)495-4424.
Have a long commute? You can still bike to work...
Okay, I am seriously considering buying one of these motors for one of my bikes. It just adds a little more convenience to the long commute. I commute from Post Falls to downtown Spokane daily and when I take my bike, I usually take the bus for a portion of the trip to save time.
But last month I had a bus driver tell me she was going to refuse to take my bike because the wheel base is a little longer that an ordinary bike and it doesn't fit completely down in the carrier rack. Even though I have been riding the bus with that bike for most of this year without any problems at all, she wasn't hearing it.
If I buy one of these motors, I won't need STA. I could still cut my time down when I need to or I can choose to pedal all the way home when I have the time. Sure, it'll add some weight to the bike, but the motor has an independent drive system so it won't drag you down if you still want to pedal...I'll keep you posted on this.
If you were waiting on that train, well...
The Spokesman Reveiw reports:
Two railroad engines and a boxcar came off the tracks Wednesday about nine miles south of Northport, Wash.
The derailment was reported about 11 a.m., after the cars – owned by Kettle Falls International Railways – slid about 50 feet down an embankment toward the Columbia River, officials said.
The state Department of Ecology is responding to determine any environmental damage. No significant fuel was reported leaking from the engines, which contain about 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel, officials said.
Two railroad workers received minor injuries, said Rick Anderson, with Stevens County Emergency Services. A landslide over the tracks may have been a cause.
Two railroad engines and a boxcar came off the tracks Wednesday about nine miles south of Northport, Wash.
The derailment was reported about 11 a.m., after the cars – owned by Kettle Falls International Railways – slid about 50 feet down an embankment toward the Columbia River, officials said.
The state Department of Ecology is responding to determine any environmental damage. No significant fuel was reported leaking from the engines, which contain about 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel, officials said.
Two railroad workers received minor injuries, said Rick Anderson, with Stevens County Emergency Services. A landslide over the tracks may have been a cause.
Wondering what the fuss was on Monroe?
Apparently, a suspected drowning on the Spokane River stalled traffic for a couple of hours on the Monroe Street Bridge Wednesday. Thankfully, it looks like it was a false alarm. The Spokesman Review report is here.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Clunker program may have unexpected twist...
This story in today's Spokesman Review is very interesting. I wonder if the used car folks are serious about this or just bellyaching because sales slowed a bit since the cash for clunkers program kicked in. It worries me to think that a lot of perfectly good vehicles will be destroyed. Those are usually the cars I buy because I commute from Idaho. I carpool with my wife and ride my bike as much as possible, but still I rack the miles fairly quickly so buying new just doesn't make sense for me.
Does this unintended dynamic concern you?
Gotta love construction season!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2009
**********************************************
NEVADA STREET FROM LYONS TO SITKA AVENUES
WILL HAVE LANE CLOSURES
WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, AUGUST 5 & 6
**********************************************
Lane closures are planned on Nevada St. from Lyons to Sitka avenues between 8 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, August 5 and 6. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction while City crews modify the traffic island on Nevada St. to improve access to surrounding businesses. Signs will be in place.
August 4, 2009
**********************************************
NEVADA STREET FROM LYONS TO SITKA AVENUES
WILL HAVE LANE CLOSURES
WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, AUGUST 5 & 6
**********************************************
Lane closures are planned on Nevada St. from Lyons to Sitka avenues between 8 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, August 5 and 6. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction while City crews modify the traffic island on Nevada St. to improve access to surrounding businesses. Signs will be in place.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
WSDOT awards next major NSC construction contract
SPOKANE – The Washington State Department of Transportation has awarded the final contract in a series of eight North Spokane Corridor projects funded by the 2003 gas tax package. Graham Construction and Management of Spokane was the winning low bidder with a construction bid of $50,519,317.
The project, US 2 to Wandermere Vicinity, completes the final grading, gravel and asphalt layers, plus the final concrete driving surface, for the four-lane divided section from Farwell Road to Wandermere Road. The job also includes the construction of two major bridge structures over Wandermere Road connecting to existing US 395.
“This job is the last of the eight contracts that completes a 5 ½ mile drivable section of the North Spokane Corridor,” said Keith Metcalf, WSDOT Eastern Region Administrator. “When this work is finished in 2011, drivers will have a more efficient connection to the Market/Greene Street freight route.”
Construction should begin later this year and be completed in the fall of 2011. The project is estimated at nearly $60 million and could support or sustain as many as 500 jobs.
For more details, visit the project web pages at: www.nscfreeway.com
The project, US 2 to Wandermere Vicinity, completes the final grading, gravel and asphalt layers, plus the final concrete driving surface, for the four-lane divided section from Farwell Road to Wandermere Road. The job also includes the construction of two major bridge structures over Wandermere Road connecting to existing US 395.
“This job is the last of the eight contracts that completes a 5 ½ mile drivable section of the North Spokane Corridor,” said Keith Metcalf, WSDOT Eastern Region Administrator. “When this work is finished in 2011, drivers will have a more efficient connection to the Market/Greene Street freight route.”
Construction should begin later this year and be completed in the fall of 2011. The project is estimated at nearly $60 million and could support or sustain as many as 500 jobs.
For more details, visit the project web pages at: www.nscfreeway.com
Monday, August 3, 2009
Some Road Trip Observations
Hey look! Jeff has already had time to blog about a couple things!
Thanks Jeff! Well, I'm in Olympia and have a couple observations about my road trip over here yesterday:
- A couple weeks ago I was complaining about having to pay $400 to get the air conditioning in my car fixed. Disregard that. It was a well-spent $400. The temperature gauge in my car said 104 degrees when I was going over the bridge at Vantage.
- I have NEVER seen so many broken-down cars on the side of the road. I counted well over thirty, and only started counting around Ellensburg. Seemed like there were a lot of people with blown tires. I'm not sure if that's a side-effect of the heat, but all I know is that there were a lot of hot-looking people walking down the side of the interstate to get help.
- A friend and I were out until about 11:30 last night in downtown Olympia and even at that time of night there were still a ton of people on bikes riding around, and bikes locked to every available bike rack, tree, and newspaper box.
Thanks Jeff! Well, I'm in Olympia and have a couple observations about my road trip over here yesterday:
- A couple weeks ago I was complaining about having to pay $400 to get the air conditioning in my car fixed. Disregard that. It was a well-spent $400. The temperature gauge in my car said 104 degrees when I was going over the bridge at Vantage.
- I have NEVER seen so many broken-down cars on the side of the road. I counted well over thirty, and only started counting around Ellensburg. Seemed like there were a lot of people with blown tires. I'm not sure if that's a side-effect of the heat, but all I know is that there were a lot of hot-looking people walking down the side of the interstate to get help.
- A friend and I were out until about 11:30 last night in downtown Olympia and even at that time of night there were still a ton of people on bikes riding around, and bikes locked to every available bike rack, tree, and newspaper box.
Road rage leads to hit and run on I-90
In the be-careful-out-there department, here is a Spokesman Review piece on a hit and run that occurred on I-90 on Saturday afternoon:
An apparent road rage incident on Interstate 90 around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday caused a motorcyclist to crash his bike.
The incident, near the Altamont exit, involved a red car, possibly a late ’80s or early ’90s Honda Prelude, and a 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle.
The Washington State Patrol reported that both vehicles were eastbound in the center lane on the freeway. The Prelude was behind the motorcycle, and went to pass it on the right. When the vehicles were alongside each other, the drivers exchanged “obscene gestures,” the WSP said. The Honda then pulled in front of the bike and hit it, sending the motorcyclist, Thomas Cameron Imes, crashing into the left shoulder. The Honda drove away, police said.
Imes, 23, was taken by a private party to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he was treated and released.
The WSP said the Honda has red lettering in the upper right of the rear window. The driver, a male, had a pit bull riding in the car’s passenger seat. It was last seen southbound on Thor near Third Avenue. Anyone with information on the running car is asked to call Trooper Robert Noack at (509) 227-6566.
QUESTION: Is it just me, or does there always seem to be a pit bull involved in these situations? Come to think of it, do you suppose it could have been a pit bull tearing up the STA seats?
Shredded seats stump STA
This kind of stuff really bothers me. Some jerk (or jerkette) has decided to slice up the seat covers on the buses, and so far this villan has managed to mangle about 100 of them! What's worse? Nobody has turned the culprit in! We need to catch this person. If you see anyone doing it report the activity to the driver, or contact STA. Read the story here.
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