New signs direct Centennial Trail users along route
The Friends of the Centennial Trail purchased 22 new directional signs that have been placed on the pavement at various junctions through the city of Spokane.
The new signs, which include a Centennial Trail logotype, are made of a thermo-plastic material and tell trail users when they need to change directions.
The signs are particularly useful in downtown Spokane where a web of trails intersect. Riverfront Park has at least six of the new directional signs.
Loreen McFaul, executive director of the Friends of the Centennial Trail, said that visitors to Spokane might be confused about the exact route of the trail because there are so many options through the city.
“We would like our visitors to be able to navigate the trail safely,” McFaul said. “Riverfront Park has always been a source of confusion.”
That is due in part to a longtime city plan for providing nonmotorized pathways on both the north and south banks of the river with connections in between.
The new markers were placed between T.J. Meenach Bridge on the west to Mission Park on the east.
The markers, which were installed by a city crew, were purchased through a $9,200 grant from the Trail Builder’s Fund of the friends organization. The fund raises money through its annual Spokane Bike Swap each spring.
The bike swap has raised $98,000 for trail projects over the past four years, including $38,000 last spring, McFaul said.
Free parking today
Here’s some good news for shoppers and others going to downtown Spokane. Because it is Columbus Day, all parking meters will be free.
New link for Sun Trail
The Children of the Sun Trail, which is part of the North Spokane Corridor project, now has a new link from the Freya Street roundabouts to Francis Avenue.
At 11 a.m. Monday, officials with the state Department of Transportation are putting on an official trail opening ceremony at the trailhead at the roundabouts.
The event will also mark completion of new freeway bridges and realignment of BNSF Railway tracks in the same area.
Rock blasts continue
Rock blasting for the widening project on Interstate 90 east of Snoqualmie Pass will continue this week with hourlong closures on Monday through Thursday at 7 p.m. each evening.
Also, single-lane closures are in effect near Cle Elem on weekdays and weeknights through the end of the month.
One eastbound lane on the Columbia River bridge at Vantage will be closed for a painting job through the end of the month.
I-90 bridge work
The westbound lanes of I-90 near the Hamilton Street interchange will be reduced to two through lanes on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Workers will repair bridge joints.
Work continues on U.S. Highway 195 from I-90 to Excelsior Road, where a 45 mph speed limit is in effect. The job involves repairing and replacing concrete pavement panels.
Repaving work on Trent Avenue east of Sullivan Road and on Sullivan Road is now completed.
Mansfield route done
In Spokane Valley, work is now finished on the Mansfield Avenue connection between Pines Road and Mirabeau Parkway.
The new route has two through lanes in each direction and a center turn lane. Bike lanes are marked east of Cherry Lane and sidewalks were improved.
As a collector arterial, the route now has a 35 mph speed limit. However, drivers are asked to watch for pedestrians and bicycle riders since the route is close to residential areas.
Also, construction work is underway at 14th Avenue and Eastern Road; on the Carnahan Road Hill; on Long Road from Sprague Avenue southward; and at Willow Road and Cataldo Avenue.