Rockslide will slow holiday travelers
Winter driving is bad enough, but families divided by the Cascades may have a rough go of it at Thanksgiving.
Making your way across Washington could be a bigger battle than breaking off the winning side of the turkey wishbone.
In addition to the usual North Cascades Highway pass closure, there’s that awful mess on Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass.
The latest rockslide couldn’t have come at a much worse time, leading into both winter and the holiday season.
As things stand now there is one lane open in each direction over the pass, with a speed limit of 35 mph.
And that could change if crews believe travel there poses a danger to motorists.
Work is going on 20 hours a day to stabilize the slope just east of the pass.
Of course, for some this could be a true Thanksgiving blessing in disguise.
If you always wanted to get out of the annual sweet potato and green bean casserole feast in Tacoma with Uncle Stan and Aunt Evelyn, this is your chance to back out with a truly legitimate excuse.
If you’re headed to the Apple Cup, though, may patience be on your side (on the way and during the game).
For pass updates, call 511 or visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes.
Early Christmas present
Spokane Valley commuters can rejoice this week along with the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The project to widen I-90 between Argonne and Sullivan is wrapping up after two years of work.
The $37 million in improvements were paid for with the 2003 5-cent gas tax increase.
Top-flight food
Sea-Tac eat your heart out.
All of your recent renovations may have added restaurants and shops, but Spokane International Airport is getting David’s Pizza.
It’s one of several new restaurants that will be opening at the airport in the coming months.
Others include Starbucks, Quizno’s and Vintage Washington, which will feature local wines and food from Chili’s menu.
Before the big freeze
Spokane crews are working hard to get all the leaves picked up on city streets.
This week they will be in the following locations: On Monday, the West Central area, Hillyard and the Westview area; Tuesday and Wednesday, Westview, Indian Canyon and West Central; Thursday, West Central, North Shadle and Comstock.
If you live in one of these neighborhoods, please move all vehicles off the street on the days trucks will be in your area.
That way you won’t have to deal with frozen leaf pyramids this winter.
It’s your turn
Three public meetings this week will give Spokane residents a chance to tell transportation officials what’s what.
South Hill dwellers may want to turn out on Tuesday for an open house on plans to rebuild Bernard Street between 14th and 29th avenues.
The meeting is from 7-8:30 p.m. at Roosevelt Elementary School, 333 W. 14th Ave.
Then on Wednesday city staff will talk to people about plans to reconstruct Freya Street from Hartson to 37th. That meeting is from 7-8:30 p.m. at Adams Elementary, 2909 E. 37th Ave.
Also Wednesday, the Spokane Transit Authority holds a town hall meeting on how it’s spending your tax dollars.
That meeting is from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook St.
Slow going
First the good news. The Palouse Highway reopens today, saving drivers in that area 20 minutes or more of detour time.
There may be lane restrictions on McClellan Street between Seventh and Ninth avenues if weather permits crews to seal cracks there.
Progress Road will be closed Wednesday through Friday between Sprague and Valleyway for utility work.