Lincoln Bridge Project Can Now Go Forward

Legal challenges to the proposed Lincoln Street bridge ended in a truce Tuesday, clearing the way for major downtown revitalization.

The city and attorney Steve Eugster reached a settlement that resolves the “funding, design and construction” of the bridge, said a statement released jointly.

“It’s a compromise,” Eugster said.

City Manager Roger Crum called the settlement “definitely good news. We’re looking forward to having the project over the water in the near future.”

Bridge construction could change downtown dramatically, making way for more green space, changing traffic patterns and boosting redevelopment efforts such as the planned $80 million River Park Square expansion, city officials say.

Bridge critics say it will destroy the beauty of the nearby Spokane Falls. Backers say it will ease northsouth traffic.

When the City Council approved the project in 1994, Eugster filed two lawsuits to stop it.

First, he claimed the city failed to address the bridge’s environmental impacts. Second, he argued the city had no right to use park property.

Superior Court Judge James Murphy dismissed the environmental challenge last year, saying the city complied with state law. Eugster appealed that decision.

The settlement filed Tuesday “resolves these two lawsuits,” said Stan Schwartz, a city attorney.

It calls for the city to make several improvements that enhance the river gorge area near the future bridge. They include:

Establishing open space and parks.

Creating public viewing and recreational spots.

Expanding Riverfront Park west from City Hall.

Removing the Post Street bridge and replacing it with a smaller pedestrian bridge that would possibly extend the Centennial Trail.

Most improvements were planned, but Eugster said the settlement forces the city to follow through. “There is assurance the city will honor its commitment,” he said.

In exchange, Eugster agreed not to “hinder, delay or make any other claims” that delay the bridge’s construction, Schwartz said.

Plans call for the one-way bridge to align with Lincoln Street, carrying northbound traffic from downtown to the Sinto Avenue area. Eventually, the Monroe Street bridge would become one-way southbound.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: WHAT’S NEXT? Design of the $23 million bridge will take all of 1996 and part of 1997, with construction possibly starting next year. Federal taxpayers will pay about 80 percent of the bridge’s cost, with the rest coming from local and state taxpayers.