Signals going in near 2 CdA schools

Flashing lights are being installed in an attempt to slow drivers on Kathleen Avenue near two Coeur d’Alene schools and the scene of a fatal crash.

The Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy approached the city a few months ago asking for better safety features on the busy street, business manager Glenn Mabile said.

“We probably average over 300 cars twice a day coming through that intersection,” Mabile said.

“I see a lot of people taking chances getting across the street there.”

Isaac Norris, a 14-year-old student at the charter school, was killed last fall at the intersection of Kathleen and Howard.

Two young men who investigators say were racing on Kathleen Avenue are charged with vehicular manslaughter.

Dominick Salois, 19, and Daniel Cutting, 17, were driving at speeds of up to 65 mph in the 35 mph zone, prosecutors said. Trial is set for Oct. 23 in Coeur d’Alene.

Coeur d’Alene police Sgt. Christie Wood said the fatal crash increased awareness of the hazards of that stretch of road.

In addition to flashing lights, which will warn drivers to slow down during school hours, Wood said the speed limit has been lowered to 25 mph in the vicinity of the Charter Academy. She did not know when the lights would be installed on Kathleen.

Wood said the move makes the speed zones near Coeur d’Alene schools consistent throughout town.

“Traffic has slowed down, but that doesn’t change the congestion area in getting through the intersection,” Mabile said.