Appleway gateway gets upgrade

One of the main entrances into Spokane Valley from Interstate 90 is getting a facelift.

Portions of Appleway Boulevard at the eastbound Interstate 90 exit on the city’s west side will be repaved, swales upgraded, sidewalks improved and irrigation lines installed for new trees and sod. The improvements are part of two separate projects that city officials say are coordinated to complement each other at the gateway to the city’s primary business route.

Spokane Valley-based Cameron-Reilly LLC was the low bidder at $342,855 for the landscaping portion of the improvements. Spokane Valley City Council accepted the bid last week. Public Works Director Eric Guth said the city received bids from five companies but one was considered nonresponsive.

The repaving and intersection improvements are scheduled to begin Monday, with traffic expected to be restricted to two lanes from Thierman to Park roads until Labor Day. Most of the new landscaping will be added between Dora Street and Park Road through October, according to the city.

Among the planned improvements is the addition of wheelchair access at intersections, and modifications to better handle stormwater.

Last year, the city sought to make the intersection at Appleway and Thierman a gateway approach, installing a monument and signs identifying the route as an I-90 business loop.

Other bidders for the landscaping contract included Wm. Winkler Co., $360,897; Half Moon Construction, $377,633; and AM Landshaper Inc., $429,712.