Lincoln Street Bridge Project Gets Permit

The Lincoln Street bridge project won its shorelines permit from the city of Spokane, clearing another hurdle on the path to construction.

“It’s another check-off on our list of things to do in the process of developing the bridge,” said City Manager Bill Pupo on Thursday.

“It’s an awfully important step,” said Jim Correll, of CH2M Hill, the engineering company designing the bridge.

Hearing Examiner Greg Smith signed off on the permit Wednesday, saying that despite testimony and written comments to the contrary, CH2M Hill made its case that the bridge was necessary.

Fifty-five people opposed to the project sent letters of opposition, and several people testified against the permit during the September hearing.

Many opponents complained the bridge would obscure views of the falls, but Smith disagreed in his written opinion.

“While there may be some shadows cast during certain times of the year, there will be no physical obstructions to the view of the falls,” Smith said.

At the direction of the City Council, the $36 million project currently is under review by the citizens committee that approved the bridge design five years ago. , DataTimes