Deputies Prowl For Speeding Commuters On Bigelow Gulch

Spokane County sheriff’s deputies say they will continue heightened patrols on Bigelow Gulch Road, one of the most dangerous stretches of roadway in the area.

During a three-month project starting in January, 10 officers prowled the windy commuter thoroughfare that connects the North Side with the Spokane Valley in hopes of slowing speeders. Sixty-seven cars were cited by deputies and Washington State Patrol officers, including one going 81 mph on the 45 mph road.

Corporal Jim Speaks said officers would continue extra patrols through June because Bigelow Gulch remained one of the most treacherous drives in the county.

“There are high speeds, limited sight distance and curves on the road,” said Speaks.

During the initial three-month emphasis, cautionary signs were posted and the speed limit lowered in some areas.

Speaks said sheriff’s deputies will continue working with state patrolmen to nab speeders, particularly during commute times.

The county reports more than 175 accidents on Bigelow Gulch since 1991, including one fatal crash in October.

Engineers estimate that more than 13,000 cars per day zip along the two-lane road, which was designed to handle about half that much traffic. They guess that number will increase to 20,800 per day in the next 15 years.

Bigelow Gulch resident Linda Sharman said the patrols and lower speed limit have slowed cars, but pulling out of her driveway onto Bigelow Gulch is still dangerous.

“You have got to be the quick or the dead,” said Sharman. “You have to just screw up your courage and go.”

Sharman and other Bigelow Gulch residents are protesting proposals to spend up to $10 million straightening the road.

“We think the idea of putting more money into it is a waste of money because it has these inherent problems,” said Sharman.

Chad Hutson, a spokesman for the county public works department, said county officials were gathering information about road improvement grants.

, DataTimes