Via reader e-mail earlier today: "Say, at the moment, the police are pulling people over going up and down Altamont, and a quick Google yielded the fact that you have blogged about the repairs, so I thought I'd see what you know.  Obviously, they have the road partially blocked off because of 9th, but I'd think that "local access" would stil apply, since Altamont is in perfect shape (having already been torn up recently).

Any idea what gives, since you've apparently looked into it? Legal to go down Altamont if you live (as do I) on that side of the 9th closure/construction? Most days, there is an opening on one lane for cars to go through (which everyone living at the top of Altamont does) except for two random days where the signs were moved over to physically block the whole thing and cops parked at either end.
Any insider info?"

Hey good question - I have an e-mail into the Spokane Police Department about this. My understanding is that "local access" means exactly that: if you live in the neighborhood you can go through the one lane you are talking about. However, lots of people who don't live in the neighborhood cut through as well - and that's not okay. If the signs block the roadway completely, the message is pretty obvious: no matter where you live, don't drive through here.

Sure, it's inconvenient when our street is closed off or when you can't take your usual shortcut home, but remember there can be some pretty big safety issues related to road construction: Huge holes, ditches, lack of pavement, materials stored along side the construction zone... so please obey the signs.

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