Skip the Cascades and pass the gravy
Taking the travel out of Thanksgiving is like leaving cranberry sauce off the holiday table.
It’s downright un-American.
But while AAA predicts that falling gas prices will be one factor leading 37.3 million Americans to take Thanksgiving trips of 50 miles or more, Gov. Christine Gregoire is urging people in Washington state to stay home.
At least if they are traveling over the Cascades.
It’s all because a portion of Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass has been reduced to one lane in each direction because the state has been unable to ensure the safety and stability of the roadside slopes. Two collapses have occurred this fall.
Repairs are under way at the latest landslide site.
Transportation officials are warning that delays could reach 16 hours over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend based on last year’s holiday traffic levels. That’s insanity.
For those of you determined to go to the West Side, try to reach the pass before 9 a.m. Wednesday but no later than noon, when transportation officials predict delays will rise from up to two hours to a four- to eight-hour range. Returning this way after the holiday also is expected to be bad except late at night or early in the morning. For a chart of the dire predictions, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov.
Stevens and White passes are other options, but delays are expected there, too.
There is a plan to fix the entire I-90 pass area using money from the newly increased state gas tax, but in the meantime, holiday travelers may have to expect more delays.
Student discounts
Gonzaga, Whitworth, community college and technical school students who have been feeling left out as their counterparts at Eastern Washington University ride the bus for free could get a boost soon.
The Spokane Transit Authority board approved a $7 adult pass discount for college and vocational school students starting in January. It would bring the price of an adult student pass to $26 per month.
But it’s not as simple as just being a college student. Each university, college or technical school will have to apply to STA to be included.
Once they do and are accepted, students enrolled at those schools will just have to show their ID when buying a pass to qualify for the discount. Participating schools could discount the passes even more with their own funding.
STA’s portion of the discount will be paid for with a federal grant. It expects to sell about 15,000 of the passes next year.
Crossing the county line
The daily commute between Kootenai County and Spokane soon could become a whole lot easier.
STA is pursuing a Washington state grant to launch weekday rush-hour service between Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Spokane Valley and Spokane.
The plan is to have buses run every half-hour between the two states during the peak morning and evening commuting times.
Gone in 60 seconds
Back in the day, cars needed to be warmed up in the winter to prevent damage. But these days, not much idling time is needed before you can hit the road.
One person found this out the hard way last week when a thief struck during some “warming up the car” moments and then caused all kinds of havoc for Spokane police.
Folks, it’s never a good idea to leave your keys in the car (running or not) when you’re not there.
I know it’s a pain, but get out the scraper and remove the frost that way rather than waiting for the heater to thaw it.
It’s the price we pay for living here.
Fair warning
Spokane Police will be patrolling near Sprague and Division, looking for drivers violating stop-sign and red-light laws.
No California stops, guys.
Santa, stay sober
Better drink that hot chocolate without the peppermint schnapps if you plan on driving.
The Washington State Patrol is conducting DUI emphasis patrols now through New Year’s Day.
Troopers will be on 72 extra shifts during the holiday season to help make sure the roads are safe for all of us.
Leaf pickup
City crews will be in the following areas this week: Lidgerwood, Cannon Hill, Lincoln Heights on Monday and Tuesday; Lidgerwood, Cannon Hill and South Freya on Wednesday.
Please move your vehicles off the street.
For more information, call the leaf hotline at 456-2666 or go online to www.spokanecity.org.
Slow going
Northwest Boulevard sealing work may cause obstructions this week between Monroe and Maple.
Water work could cause delays this week at the intersections of Pacific and Browne and Sprague and Washington.