Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane Valley

Tired of waiting for the train?

Spokane Valley resident Dennis Bonnett stands near his front yard as a freight train rolls through the Park Road crossing Aug. 4. Bonnett has lived near the crossing for 30 years and says he has watched BNSF build two more tracks through the crossing in that time. (Tyler Tjomsland)
Spokane Valley resident Dennis Bonnett stands near his front yard as a freight train rolls through the Park Road crossing Aug. 4. Bonnett has lived near the crossing for 30 years and says he has watched BNSF build two more tracks through the crossing in that time. (Tyler Tjomsland)

Spokane Valley residents frequently show up at city council meetings complaining about constant and what they say is unnecessary whistle and horn blowing from passing trains. The Valley is dissected by train tracks and north-south roads are cut by train crossings in many places. Drivers make sometimes dangerous and erratic U-turns when they realize they can't make the crossing before the train -- or they grow impatient waiting for a train to pass and cut through parking lots and over driveways to get away.

City Manager Mike Jackson said collecting all the information on one website would make it easier for the council to take a serious look at the issue.

What do you think? Where do you get stuck waiting for a train in Spokane Valley? Does it bother you or should this not be a high priority for the city?  



Pia Hallenberg
Pia Hallenberg joined The Spokesman-Review in 2004. She is currently a reporter for the City Desk covering Spokane Valley city hall and community news. She also writes news features about people and events.

Follow Pia online: