Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Weight Restrictions Lifted
The recent dry, warmer weather has worked its magic and Spokane County Engineering has rescinded seasonal weight restrictions on county roads. It's safe to haul your heavy loads again.
Exit Ramp Theater Is Back
Remember these folks? They're 'Exit Ramp Theater' and they were performing Romeo and Juliet today at the eastbound Division exit off I90 around 7:30 this morning.
I originally saw this group in the same spot about a year ago, when I took this picture. At that time I talked to them briefly between traffic lights. They said they're a group of four local actors not affiliated with any theater. They just show up, perform an act from the play they've chosen for that day and have fun. I asked at the time if they are trying to make money and they said no, it's all for fun.
So I guess if you have to sit in traffic, at least they're providing some entertainment while you wait.
I originally saw this group in the same spot about a year ago, when I took this picture. At that time I talked to them briefly between traffic lights. They said they're a group of four local actors not affiliated with any theater. They just show up, perform an act from the play they've chosen for that day and have fun. I asked at the time if they are trying to make money and they said no, it's all for fun. So I guess if you have to sit in traffic, at least they're providing some entertainment while you wait.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Wells Fargo Has A New Drive Thru
Check out this picture courtesy of KXLY News of the Wells Fargo bank on Sprague in Spokane. That car crashed through it just a little while ago. No further details at this time.
Downtown Traffic Delays Expected All Week
The City of Spokane says you can expect congestion and delays on Interstate 90 off-ramps in downtown Spokane until late this week as a result of road construction projects.
A contractor is putting down a final layer of pavement on Second Avenue from Howard Street to Sunset Boulevard. As a result, lane restrictions are in place this week, and intersections without signals were closed, which has slowed traffic coming into downtown from the Lincoln and Maple exits.
Paving work from Browne to Sunset Boulevard is scheduled for Thursday and Friday nights at 7 p.m. through 6 a.m. the next morning, weather permitting. The section from Arthur to Division was completed last week though and is now open again.
Sprague and First avenues are the recommended detour routes. For more recommended detour routes and up-to-date construction closures, check out www.SpokaneRoadFix.net.
A contractor is putting down a final layer of pavement on Second Avenue from Howard Street to Sunset Boulevard. As a result, lane restrictions are in place this week, and intersections without signals were closed, which has slowed traffic coming into downtown from the Lincoln and Maple exits.
Paving work from Browne to Sunset Boulevard is scheduled for Thursday and Friday nights at 7 p.m. through 6 a.m. the next morning, weather permitting. The section from Arthur to Division was completed last week though and is now open again.
Sprague and First avenues are the recommended detour routes. For more recommended detour routes and up-to-date construction closures, check out www.SpokaneRoadFix.net.
Kootenai-Spokane Commissioners Coordinate For Greater Good
This story in the Spokesman-Review today talks about some areas in which Spokane and Kootenai county commissioners would like to coordinate their efforts to be more effective overall.
Here are a couple of the topics they are tackling: comparing notes on recycling programs, establishing a regional law enforcement pay structure so Kootenai isn't competing with Spokane County for officers, and connecting Kootenai's bus system to Spokane Transit routes to allow commuters to travel from Kootenai to Spokane County, all on public transit.
Great ideas? Of course, but the public transit one isn't a new idea. SRTC has been talking about hooking the two transit systems up for several years now. We've run into a couple barriers over the years that have prevented it from happening, so if the commissioners talking about it can make it happen, great.
The most opportune time may have passed already though, considering that SRTC used to provide transportation planning services for Kootenai County in addition to Spokane County. The Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization Board recently voted to separate from SRTC and hire our former Transportation Manager, so it's hard to say what kind of affect working with a newly-formed agency could have.
Anyway, it's great to see we're moving in the direction of across the board (and border) coordination. Read the article to see what other efforts commissioners from both counties are focusing their attention on at this time.
Here are a couple of the topics they are tackling: comparing notes on recycling programs, establishing a regional law enforcement pay structure so Kootenai isn't competing with Spokane County for officers, and connecting Kootenai's bus system to Spokane Transit routes to allow commuters to travel from Kootenai to Spokane County, all on public transit.
Great ideas? Of course, but the public transit one isn't a new idea. SRTC has been talking about hooking the two transit systems up for several years now. We've run into a couple barriers over the years that have prevented it from happening, so if the commissioners talking about it can make it happen, great.
The most opportune time may have passed already though, considering that SRTC used to provide transportation planning services for Kootenai County in addition to Spokane County. The Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization Board recently voted to separate from SRTC and hire our former Transportation Manager, so it's hard to say what kind of affect working with a newly-formed agency could have.
Anyway, it's great to see we're moving in the direction of across the board (and border) coordination. Read the article to see what other efforts commissioners from both counties are focusing their attention on at this time.
Bike & Ped Master Plan Open House Tomorrow
Don't make plans for tomorrow after work because you're attending the open house for the Spokane Valley Bike and Pedestrian Master Program (BPMP). The meeting is 5:30-7 p.m. on June 8 at Spokane Valley City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Avenue.
In addition to seeing an inventory of the types of bike/pedestrian facilities currently available in Spokane Valley, you can examine the results of a community survey about biking and walking, review suggestions for new facilities, and share your ideas for improvements. You’ll also learn about the next steps in the process, and find out how you can stay involved and informed.
The BPMP will guide planning, development and management of existing and future bicycle, pedestrian and multi-modal connections throughout Spokane Valley.
In addition to seeing an inventory of the types of bike/pedestrian facilities currently available in Spokane Valley, you can examine the results of a community survey about biking and walking, review suggestions for new facilities, and share your ideas for improvements. You’ll also learn about the next steps in the process, and find out how you can stay involved and informed.
The BPMP will guide planning, development and management of existing and future bicycle, pedestrian and multi-modal connections throughout Spokane Valley.
Flora/Mission Intersection To Close for Five Weeks
The Spokane Valley road construction project to extend Indiana Avenue eastward is moving into its second phase, which includes construction of a new roundabout at the Flora/Mission intersection.
The intersection will be closed for about five weeks during construction. Traffic will be detoured along Boone, Arc and Baldwin. Because the detour is through a residential area, drivers are asked to be alert for children, pedestrians and bicyclists.
The extension will link the Sullivan corridor and Spokane Valley Mall with areas to the east. When it is completed, traffic will travel along a roadway that splits eastbound traffic and westbound traffic around a 6.3 acre football shaped area in the center that is zoned for commercial development.
To identify the roadways of the extension more clearly, the westbound segment will be named Mission Parkway and the eastbound segment will be named Indiana Parkway. Each of the new one-way road segments includes bicycle lanes and sidewalks.
About 75 percent of the project's estimated $2 million cost is funded by the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board. The balance is funded by the City of Spokane Valley.
The intersection will be closed for about five weeks during construction. Traffic will be detoured along Boone, Arc and Baldwin. Because the detour is through a residential area, drivers are asked to be alert for children, pedestrians and bicyclists.
The extension will link the Sullivan corridor and Spokane Valley Mall with areas to the east. When it is completed, traffic will travel along a roadway that splits eastbound traffic and westbound traffic around a 6.3 acre football shaped area in the center that is zoned for commercial development.
To identify the roadways of the extension more clearly, the westbound segment will be named Mission Parkway and the eastbound segment will be named Indiana Parkway. Each of the new one-way road segments includes bicycle lanes and sidewalks.
About 75 percent of the project's estimated $2 million cost is funded by the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board. The balance is funded by the City of Spokane Valley.
Centennial Trail Sections Open Again
Sections of the Centennial Trail near Gateway Regional Park at the Washington-Idaho border are open again, after being closed last week due to concerns about flooding. However - the Spokane River is still running high, fast and very cold so give it a safe distance when using the trail.
Friday, June 3, 2011
We Made It Through The Week- Almost Anyway
Is it just me or has it been a tough week? Just to raise your spirits (and by 'your' I mean mine), and because I have my own bad cat, here's a flashback to my high school years when Toonces the Cat was a mainstay on Saturday Night Live. Of course it's transportation related- it's a cat that can drive! Although every sketch DID end up with Toonces driving off a cliff so apparently he couldn't drive very well.
Report Lists How Much $ Each State Would Need To Maintain Roads
We've been talking for years about how decades of underinvestment in regular maintenance have left the nation's roads in poor condition, and the cost of repairing them is rising faster than we can address it. But just how bad is the situation? A report released this week by Smart Growth America and Taxpayers for Common Sense examines road conditions and spending priorities in all 50 states.
For instance, the report says 44% of Washington's roads have fallen out of good condition, and it would take approximately $426,173,431 per year over the next twenty years to bring them into good repair and keep them that way. The report goes on to say that, despite this need, that's not what we've been spending our transportation funds on.
Here's a link to the report so you can see where our money has been going. Plus, there's a cool interactive online map where you can click on each state to view transportation funding statistics specific to it.
For instance, the report says 44% of Washington's roads have fallen out of good condition, and it would take approximately $426,173,431 per year over the next twenty years to bring them into good repair and keep them that way. The report goes on to say that, despite this need, that's not what we've been spending our transportation funds on.
Here's a link to the report so you can see where our money has been going. Plus, there's a cool interactive online map where you can click on each state to view transportation funding statistics specific to it.
Seattle Gives Parking Offenders The Boot
For those of you who complain about local parking tickets and refuse to pay them, Seattle may not be your town either. Seattle officials have made it clear to the 23,000 people with multiple outstanding parking tickets; pay up or get the boot. The car boot, that is.The Seattle Times has the story. What do you think; fair or overreacting? I wonder how this will help the City's budget...
Thursday, June 2, 2011
New Lane And Road Closures
New road and lane closures for this weekend and next week are posted at www.SpokaneRoadFix.net.
WSDOT Warns Bicyclists About Chip Seal Projects
The Washington State Department of Transportation has a number of highway construction projects underway this season and if you ride a bicycle, their “chip seal” projects may be of particular interest to you since they involve asphalt oil and loose gravel.
This website provides general information on areas to watch out for.
Keep in mind though that chip seal construction schedules are flexible and that the contractor can make day to day changes that are not noted on this weekly roundup. Also, chip seal work involves several phases which are spaced apart by a few days or even several weeks and are handled by different crews.
This website provides general information on areas to watch out for.
Keep in mind though that chip seal construction schedules are flexible and that the contractor can make day to day changes that are not noted on this weekly roundup. Also, chip seal work involves several phases which are spaced apart by a few days or even several weeks and are handled by different crews.
TBD Board Needs Applicants
Interested in helping maintain the City’s streets and sidewalks? The City of Spokane’s Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Board is seeking applicants for a citizen advisory board to help determine priorities for TBD funding.
Spokane’s Transportation Benefit District is an independent taxing district created to help the City better maintain its street system and pedestrian infrastructure. The Spokane City Council serves as the TBD governing board separately from their Council duties.
Money raised through a $20 vehicle registration fee, which will be collected starting in September, will pay for street maintenance and pedestrian improvements outlined in the City’s Six-Year Pavement Maintenance Program. The fee will raise about $2.6 million annually.
The Citizen’s Transportation Advisory Board (CTAB) will assist in this work. The board will include seven members—one member from each of the City’s three City Council Districts, one at-large member, and one member from each of the following committees:
• The Citizens Street Advisory Committee (CSAC), which oversees spending of the funds generated by the 2004 10-Year Street Bond.
• The Pedestrian, Traffic & Transportation (PETT) Committee of the Community Assembly.
• The Bicycle Advisory Board (BAB).
Members from the three committees will be appointed to one-year terms, while the remaining CTAB members will serve three-year terms.
Application forms are available online here. They're due by Monday, June 27.
Spokane’s Transportation Benefit District is an independent taxing district created to help the City better maintain its street system and pedestrian infrastructure. The Spokane City Council serves as the TBD governing board separately from their Council duties.
Money raised through a $20 vehicle registration fee, which will be collected starting in September, will pay for street maintenance and pedestrian improvements outlined in the City’s Six-Year Pavement Maintenance Program. The fee will raise about $2.6 million annually.
The Citizen’s Transportation Advisory Board (CTAB) will assist in this work. The board will include seven members—one member from each of the City’s three City Council Districts, one at-large member, and one member from each of the following committees:
• The Citizens Street Advisory Committee (CSAC), which oversees spending of the funds generated by the 2004 10-Year Street Bond.
• The Pedestrian, Traffic & Transportation (PETT) Committee of the Community Assembly.
• The Bicycle Advisory Board (BAB).
Members from the three committees will be appointed to one-year terms, while the remaining CTAB members will serve three-year terms.
Application forms are available online here. They're due by Monday, June 27.
Bike Shop Reccomendations Please
I'm looking for a place to get CooTeR, our Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) bicycle tuned up. Anyone have any suggestions? Keep in mind I'm paying for it myself (government budgets are tight these days- as is my own) so I'm looking for quality work at an affordable price.
Do Parks Need Parking?
How do you get to your favorite park? Do you walk, ride, drive? Here's something I never thought of: 'StreetsBlog' says vehicle parking at parks isn't really necessary, as many of the country’s most popular urban parks are characterized by a lack of parking.
So think about it and let me know; when you go to the park, how do you get there?
So think about it and let me know; when you go to the park, how do you get there?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Editorial Supports Combining Spokane/CDA As Statistical Area
Because of our work with the U.S. Census Bureau, we've been talking at SRTC for several months now about the possibility of making Spokane and Kootenai counties a combined statistical area, and the implications of such a move. This editorial in the Spokesman-Review supports the designation because of the potential economic benefits it could bring.
The combined population mass often looks more attractive to businesses and events looking for new locations and the move could mean more funding for transportation and Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.
Read the article and let me know what you think.
The combined population mass often looks more attractive to businesses and events looking for new locations and the move could mean more funding for transportation and Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.
Read the article and let me know what you think.
Take The Pedestrian Plan Update Survey
I hear people complain a LOT about the state of sidewalks and other pedestrian issues in our area. Well, here's your chance to do something other than complain. The City of Spokane Planning Services Department is working on an update to the City's Pedestrian Plan and is offering a couple of opportunities to get involved.
The first thing you need to do is fill out this Pedestrian Questionnaire. It doesn't take long and is designed to gather information regarding walking wants and needs in the City.
Additionally, the City is planning an open house to discuss updates to the plan. The open house will be held on Wednesday, June 29, from 5-7 p.m. at the Northeast Youth Center, 3004 E. Queen Ave.
The Pedestrian Plan Update will include ways to promote pedestrian safety and access to help ensure that Spokane is a safe, convenient, and attractive place to walk.
The first thing you need to do is fill out this Pedestrian Questionnaire. It doesn't take long and is designed to gather information regarding walking wants and needs in the City.
Additionally, the City is planning an open house to discuss updates to the plan. The open house will be held on Wednesday, June 29, from 5-7 p.m. at the Northeast Youth Center, 3004 E. Queen Ave.
The Pedestrian Plan Update will include ways to promote pedestrian safety and access to help ensure that Spokane is a safe, convenient, and attractive place to walk.
WSDOT Fixes I90 Puddle Issue
Remember a couple weeks ago when it rained so hard (okay,it's rained hard a LOT lately) and caused a major puddle to form on the freeway near the eastbound Barker Road exit? The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) says temporary lanes constructed as part of the I90 Widening Project were to blame for not allowing the water to drain.
They temporary lanes were put in place to move traffic to one side of the freeway so the could reconstruct the other side of the freeway. Extremely heavy rains brought more water into the area than could drain off the highway, creating puddles that were several inches deep.
They've fixed the problem though by adding more asphalt to change the slope of the pavement so it will drain faster. Now if they could just do something about the weather...
They temporary lanes were put in place to move traffic to one side of the freeway so the could reconstruct the other side of the freeway. Extremely heavy rains brought more water into the area than could drain off the highway, creating puddles that were several inches deep.
They've fixed the problem though by adding more asphalt to change the slope of the pavement so it will drain faster. Now if they could just do something about the weather...
Commuter Relief Act Proposed
If you're familiar with the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program, you know that it offers incentives, such as prizes and encouragement, to those who use alternate ways to get to work or school other than driving alone.
Legislation that was just proposed, the Commuter Relief Act of 2011, would offer even more incentives for businesses to provide transportation options to employees. The act expands a series of tax credits for individuals and employers to make it easier for those who wish to commute by bicycle, walking, carpooling, or using public transit. Specifically, the bill contains the these provisions:
*Transit Equity: Sets the uniform dollar cap for all transportation fringe benefits to $200 a month. Currently, the permanent cap is $230 for the parking benefit.
*Self Employed Extension of Transportation Fringe Benefits: Allows self-employeed individuals to receive transit fringe benefits for commuting done for work purposes.
*Parking Cashout: Requires employers who offer a parking transportation fringe benefit to employees to also offer employees the option to take cash instead, reducing the incentive to drive instead of take alternative transportation.
*VanPool Credit: Creates a 10% tax credit for expenditures on vanpool vehicles and services; an incentive for employers and employees to share their commutes.
*MultiModal Transportation: Allows individuals to combine their bike benefit with other transportation fringe benefits as long as they fall under the $200 cap.
The best news: this legislation will not add to the federal deficit. The additional credits are paid for by reducing the overall transit and parking cap from $230 to $200 a month. Here's more information on the Commuter Relief Act.
Legislation that was just proposed, the Commuter Relief Act of 2011, would offer even more incentives for businesses to provide transportation options to employees. The act expands a series of tax credits for individuals and employers to make it easier for those who wish to commute by bicycle, walking, carpooling, or using public transit. Specifically, the bill contains the these provisions:
*Transit Equity: Sets the uniform dollar cap for all transportation fringe benefits to $200 a month. Currently, the permanent cap is $230 for the parking benefit.
*Self Employed Extension of Transportation Fringe Benefits: Allows self-employeed individuals to receive transit fringe benefits for commuting done for work purposes.
*Parking Cashout: Requires employers who offer a parking transportation fringe benefit to employees to also offer employees the option to take cash instead, reducing the incentive to drive instead of take alternative transportation.
*VanPool Credit: Creates a 10% tax credit for expenditures on vanpool vehicles and services; an incentive for employers and employees to share their commutes.
*MultiModal Transportation: Allows individuals to combine their bike benefit with other transportation fringe benefits as long as they fall under the $200 cap.
The best news: this legislation will not add to the federal deficit. The additional credits are paid for by reducing the overall transit and parking cap from $230 to $200 a month. Here's more information on the Commuter Relief Act.
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