Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Monroe Street Bridge Lane Closures
The Monroe Street Bridge will be reduced by one lane in each direction starting tomorrow and continuing Friday. One northbound lane will be blocked beginning at 8 a.m. At 9 a.m., southbound traffic will also be reduced by one lane. The lanes should reopen to traffic by 3 p.m. The closure is needed for bridge maintenance. Signs will be in place.
Studded Tire Deadline Extended Again
The Washington State Department of Transportation has extended the deadline to remove snow tires again. Winter weather and freezing temperatures forecasted for the Cascade mountains and most of eastern Washington led to the decision to move the deadline to April 17.
Drivers must remove their studded tires by 12:01 a.m., Sunday April 18.
WSDOT is encouraging drivers in areas with milder temperatures to remove their studded tires as soon as possible and not wait until the April 17 deadline.
Drivers must remove their studded tires by 12:01 a.m., Sunday April 18.
WSDOT is encouraging drivers in areas with milder temperatures to remove their studded tires as soon as possible and not wait until the April 17 deadline.
Traffic Awareness & Pedestrian Safety Week Coming Up
The 12th annual Traffic Awareness & Pedestrian Safety Week is coming up- April 9 to 18. I guess that makes it longer than an actual week, but you get the idea.
Hosted by the Community Assembly’s Pedestrian, Transportation and Traffic Committee, this week will be kicked off by Mayor Mary Verner and members of the City Council at an event at the Saranac Building, 25 W. Main Ave., at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 9.
During the week, drivers are reminded to slow down, obey speed limits, and become more aware of pedestrians, thus making Spokane neighborhoods safer and more livable.
I'm not sure what's going to take place at this kickoff event but I'm going to try to be there to document it if my workload allows.
Hosted by the Community Assembly’s Pedestrian, Transportation and Traffic Committee, this week will be kicked off by Mayor Mary Verner and members of the City Council at an event at the Saranac Building, 25 W. Main Ave., at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 9.
During the week, drivers are reminded to slow down, obey speed limits, and become more aware of pedestrians, thus making Spokane neighborhoods safer and more livable.
I'm not sure what's going to take place at this kickoff event but I'm going to try to be there to document it if my workload allows.
Tuesday Accidents Slow Traffic
It was an ugly day on local roads yesterday, with several accidents caused by the weather and other factors. One driver was killed on US 395 when she lost control of her car on the slushy roadway. Here's the story on that.
Another woman was injured when her car was pinned under a semi truck. Here's what happened.
Moral of the story? Take it easy out there folks. Even if the roads aren't bad, I've seen a lot of speeding, tailgating, getting cut off, etc. lately. Let's mind our manners.
Another woman was injured when her car was pinned under a semi truck. Here's what happened.
Moral of the story? Take it easy out there folks. Even if the roads aren't bad, I've seen a lot of speeding, tailgating, getting cut off, etc. lately. Let's mind our manners.
Sullivan Road Project To Start Next Week
Three road improvement projects along the Sullivan corridor could slow you down, starting next week. The first project starts on Monday. Spokane Valley's newsletter, Hot Topic, has a great article on this series of projects, as well as a helpful map. Check it out. Then make plans for an alternate commute route starting next week.
Report A Spokane Valley Pothole
Did you know that Spokane Valley has a pothole hotline? With the freeze and thaw cycle still in progress, crews are going to have their hands full filling in potholes. If you spot one that needs work, call it in to Call (509) 720-5110.I'd be remiss if I didn't include a legal disclaimer. The picture above is not a pothole in Spokane Valley.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
City Road Closure
Woodside Avenue from Dell to Lindeke streets will be closed to drivers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, for sewer repair.
Complete Streets Passes Spokane City Council
The Spokane City Council voted last night to support a 'complete streets' resolution that will direct city workers to “identify the gaps” and locate “opportunities to supplement and fund” complete street plans.
That means bike lanes, improved sidewalks, and other transportation amenities will get a renewed focus in the city of Spokane.
Although it’s nonbinding, the plan triggered spirited debate at the Council meeting, with over a dozen people testifying and over an hour of discussion.
Councilman Jon Snyder introduced the measure. Council members Bob Apple and Nancy McLaughlin voted against the resolution, arguing they’re concerned about the cost.
SRTC has been working with a group of area agencies to educate local leaders on the complete streets concept. So far we have had a lot of receptive elected officials ask about it and there is a training session coming up for staff at area jurisdictions. We'll keep you updated.
That means bike lanes, improved sidewalks, and other transportation amenities will get a renewed focus in the city of Spokane.
Although it’s nonbinding, the plan triggered spirited debate at the Council meeting, with over a dozen people testifying and over an hour of discussion.
Councilman Jon Snyder introduced the measure. Council members Bob Apple and Nancy McLaughlin voted against the resolution, arguing they’re concerned about the cost.
SRTC has been working with a group of area agencies to educate local leaders on the complete streets concept. So far we have had a lot of receptive elected officials ask about it and there is a training session coming up for staff at area jurisdictions. We'll keep you updated.
Moses Lake Lands BMW Electric Vehicle Parts Factory
The companies planning to build a parts plant for BMW cars have selected a site in Moses Lake because of the availability of hydroelectric power. The decision by SGL Group and BMW AG was announced Tuesday.
The factory's $100 million initial investment will create 80 jobs.
The carbon fiber parts made at the plant will be used in BMW’s Megacity electric vehicle, which will be available sometime before 2015.
The factory's $100 million initial investment will create 80 jobs.
The carbon fiber parts made at the plant will be used in BMW’s Megacity electric vehicle, which will be available sometime before 2015.
Public Meeting Reminder
Don't forget that today, tomorrow, and Thursday, the City of Spokane will be hosting public meetings to give you an idea of what construction projects they'll be working on this year.
The City has 40 projects worth $60 million planned for this year.
The series of meetings is set to get citizens information they need about the Street Bond projects. The meetings will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on:
· Tuesday, April 6, at the West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt St., focusing on projects in Council District 3.
· Wednesday, April 7, at the Northeast Youth Center, 3004 E. Queen Ave., focusing on projects in Council District 1.
Thursday, April 8, at the East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone St., focusing on projects in Council District 2.
City engineers working on the projects will present information on design and construction schedules. Question and answer time will be part of each meeting.
The City has 40 projects worth $60 million planned for this year.
The series of meetings is set to get citizens information they need about the Street Bond projects. The meetings will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on:
· Tuesday, April 6, at the West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt St., focusing on projects in Council District 3.
· Wednesday, April 7, at the Northeast Youth Center, 3004 E. Queen Ave., focusing on projects in Council District 1.
Thursday, April 8, at the East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone St., focusing on projects in Council District 2.
City engineers working on the projects will present information on design and construction schedules. Question and answer time will be part of each meeting.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Council To Vote On Complete Streets Policy Tonight
Tonight is the big night for the complete streets movement at the Spokane City Council meeting. Complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders are all considered under a complete streets policy. Here's more information on the movement from the National Complete Streets Coalition.
Spokane City Council member Jon Snyder proposed a complete streets policy for Spokane and the Council will vote on it tonight. Here's a piece from today's Spokesman-Review where Councilman Snyder does an eloquent job of explaining complete streets and why it's a good idea for Spokane.
Spokane City Council member Jon Snyder proposed a complete streets policy for Spokane and the Council will vote on it tonight. Here's a piece from today's Spokesman-Review where Councilman Snyder does an eloquent job of explaining complete streets and why it's a good idea for Spokane.
It's Officially Construction Season Again
Construction, construction, and more construction. That's what's going on this week in the world of local transportation. Even in the snow/sleet/hail/rain.
Here's the roundup of projects from the Spokesman-Review's 'Getting There' column.
Here's the roundup of projects from the Spokesman-Review's 'Getting There' column.
Weather/Construction Cause Flight Cancellations
This &^%$# weather isn't just trying my nerves, it's also causing some problems at the airport- that and a construction project.
Several Southwest Airlines flights into Spokane were cancelled this morning due to a combination of poor visibility and the start of a project to extend the main runway.
Planes are being diverted to the airport’s cross-wind runway during construction, which will last until October. Southwest pilots had not yet been certified to land on the cross-wind runway during periods of low visibility and the weather reduced visibility to below three miles.
Several Southwest Airlines flights into Spokane were cancelled this morning due to a combination of poor visibility and the start of a project to extend the main runway.
Planes are being diverted to the airport’s cross-wind runway during construction, which will last until October. Southwest pilots had not yet been certified to land on the cross-wind runway during periods of low visibility and the weather reduced visibility to below three miles.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
NSC Project Accused Of Violating Clean Water Act
The Center for Justice says the Washington State Department of Transportation violated the Clean Water Act during construction of the North Spokane freeway.
The group filed a complaint today that argues that the state has ignored its permit to build the corridor by allowing untreated storm water to flow into Deadman Creek.
Here's the story.
The group filed a complaint today that argues that the state has ignored its permit to build the corridor by allowing untreated storm water to flow into Deadman Creek.
Here's the story.
Train Kills Person In Valley
There's been another train-pedestrian death. Here's the story from the Spokesman-Review. Be sure to read the comments after, especially the one by the person that says you can't hear trains until they're right up on you. I literally work in the train station, so I beg to differ. All day it's trains going past non-stop. And we hear them long before they get here.
Everytime someone gets hit by a train, I point out how the Bridging the Valley series of projects could cut down on these kinds of accidents. I'm going to save my breath this time and just send you to the Bridging the Valley site to figure it out on your own.
Everytime someone gets hit by a train, I point out how the Bridging the Valley series of projects could cut down on these kinds of accidents. I'm going to save my breath this time and just send you to the Bridging the Valley site to figure it out on your own.
Some Items From The City Of Spokane
- Construction on Decatur Avenue from Freya Street to Julia Street is set to being on Monday, April 5. The project will pave and install curbs and sidewalks on Decatur Ave. from Freya to Julia streets; and Julia St. from Dalke to Francis avenues. The streets will be closed to thru traffic with local access only.
The $540,000 project is being funded by the 10-Year Street Bond and Local Improvement District (LID).
- Residential street sweeping within the City of Spokane starts on Monday, April 5. Sweeping will be done between 6 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Residents are asked to move their vehicles from the street during sweeping. Here's the sweeping schedule for next week:
Northwest: Monroe St. to Ash St. and Wellesley Ave. to Francis Ave.
Northeast: Mission Ave. to Euclid Ave. and Ruby St. to Hamilton St.
South: Hartson Ave. to 29th Ave. and Crestline St. to Ray St./Thor St.
The $540,000 project is being funded by the 10-Year Street Bond and Local Improvement District (LID).
- Residential street sweeping within the City of Spokane starts on Monday, April 5. Sweeping will be done between 6 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Residents are asked to move their vehicles from the street during sweeping. Here's the sweeping schedule for next week:
Northwest: Monroe St. to Ash St. and Wellesley Ave. to Francis Ave.
Northeast: Mission Ave. to Euclid Ave. and Ruby St. to Hamilton St.
South: Hartson Ave. to 29th Ave. and Crestline St. to Ray St./Thor St.
US 2 Work Starts Monday
Work starts on the intersection of US 2 and Elk-Chattaroy Road, north of Spokane on Monday. This project removes the existing right turn lane and highway shoulder on northbound US 2 at Elk-Chattaroy Road to allow for widening of the roadway to the east.
Once removed, the right-turn lane and shoulder will be rebuilt with a new offset right-turn lane that will provide better sight distance and generally improve the safety of the intersection.
Northbound US 2 traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone, except during the 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekday commute period, when both lanes northbound will be open.
The project is expected to be complete by mid-May.
Once removed, the right-turn lane and shoulder will be rebuilt with a new offset right-turn lane that will provide better sight distance and generally improve the safety of the intersection.
Northbound US 2 traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone, except during the 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekday commute period, when both lanes northbound will be open.
The project is expected to be complete by mid-May.
Council To Vote On Complete Streets Resolution
SRTC has been working with a group of area jurisdictions, social service agencies, concerned citizens, etc. to educate people about complete streets and whether they're right for our area.
Your help is needed to spread the word about this. On Monday, April 5, a complete streets resolution goes up for a vote in front of the Spokane City Council, and we need people to be there to speak in favor of complete streets.
Councilperson Jon Snyder supports the development of a Complete Streets Ordinance as a component of the City’s street standards.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Spokane City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Boulevard.
Want more information?There is a 'Complete Streets Spokane' Facebook page you can check out.
Your help is needed to spread the word about this. On Monday, April 5, a complete streets resolution goes up for a vote in front of the Spokane City Council, and we need people to be there to speak in favor of complete streets.
Councilperson Jon Snyder supports the development of a Complete Streets Ordinance as a component of the City’s street standards.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Spokane City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Boulevard.
Want more information?There is a 'Complete Streets Spokane' Facebook page you can check out.
Get Your People Together Charles. Hillyard's Not Doing So Hot
It's April Fools Day but this is no joke. It's National Census Day, the day Census officials would like you to get your Census forms in the mail to them, if you haven't already.
Because we use census data in-depth in transportation planning, and because SRTC is a state data center affiliate for the Census, we take the Census very serious here at SRTC. I think you can tell just how seriously from our GIS guy Kevin's get-up. And yes, even his headband has the Census logo on it. Is the headband overkill perhaps? Heck no, Kevin works up a sweat crunching numbers and the band keeps the sweat from getting in his eyes.Kevin had some Census 'factoids' he filled me in on during this 'photo shoot': Hillyard is the neighborhood, or Census 'tract' area with the lowest return rate in Spokane County so far, with 37%. The Indian Trail area has the highest local return rate of 67%. And Washington State has an overall return rate of 57%.
Want more facts? Her's a link to the U.S. Census Bureau website.
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