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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Beefing Up Bigelow Departments Join Forces To Improve Safety On Busy Road

Local officials have embarked on a project to improve one of the busiest and most dangerous commuter links between the Spokane Valley and the North Side - Bigelow Gulch Road.

More than 13,000 cars travel Bigelow Gulch between Market Street and Argonne Road each day, according to county figures.

Many are driving from their homes on the North Side to jobs at Kaiser Aluminum, Industrial Park or at Liberty Lake.

Some don’t make it unscathed, especially in the winter when ice is prevalent on the winding road.

The county reports that there have been more than 175 car wrecks on that stretch since 1991, including one in October that killed an Otis Orchards teenager.

In response to increasing traffic and accidents, the county public works department, sheriff’s department and Washington State Patrol have joined forces to try to make Bigelow Gulch safer.

Short-term plans include more police patrols, lower speed limits and more signs along Bigelow Gulch.

This week, the sheriff’s department and state patrol began a three-month safety emphasis program.

Included in the effort are lighted warning signs that inform drivers of icy conditions.

The police are hoping that when the word gets out about the increased patrols, people will slow down.

“If not, they will end up talking to a law enforcement officer and receive a ticket,” said Sgt. Jim Finke of the sheriff’s traffic division.

Long-range safety improvements call for straightening certain curvy stretches.

The county already has purchased some of the land necessary for the proposed realignment project, but more is likely to be needed.

“Bigelow Gulch is a vital link between North Spokane, the Spokane Valley and eastbound Interstate 90,” said Ross Kelley, the county’s project management engineer. “Resources must be found to provide a more safe efficient route through this area.”

The realignment project is not expected to begin for several years.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: Shorter in the Valley Voice

This sidebar appeared with the story: WHAT’S NEXT A public meeting to discuss the Bigelow Gulch Road realignment plan is set for Jan. 18 at the Central Grange, 7001 E. Bigelow Gulch Road. That meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Shorter in the Valley Voice

This sidebar appeared with the story: WHAT’S NEXT A public meeting to discuss the Bigelow Gulch Road realignment plan is set for Jan. 18 at the Central Grange, 7001 E. Bigelow Gulch Road. That meeting begins at 7 p.m.