State Opens Shop For Sandpoint Byway

The public will be more involved in the Sand Creek Byway design than in most Idaho Transportation Department construction projects.

The state is opening a special information office in Sandpoint that will be staffed part time during the project’s design phase.

“This is unique to the district,” said Barbara Babic, ITD public information officer. “But this is a major project and the community has been involved in it for many years.”

The community has been split over the plan to construct a raised highway along the east bank of Sand Creek, from its mouth to the junction of U.S. Highways 95 and 200. Proponents say it’s the only affordable, practical solution to the gridlock in downtown Sandpoint.

Detractors say the Sand Creek route will be an eyesore and create a noisy barrier between downtown and City Beach, while only temporarily relieving downtown’s traffic congestion. The debate over the proposed route has raged for some 50 years.

The state approved the $25 million project in June, and the design phase - expected to last two years - is under way. Construction is estimated to begin in 2004.

The information office, at 202 N. Second St., will hold an open house Tuesday from 1 to 6 p.m. ITD staff and project consultants will share information on the project and answer questions.

The state is looking for volunteers to serve on one of the Citizens Design Advisory committees, and also is inviting concerned citizens to participate in stakeholder interviews. The interviews will help ITD and consultants learn about particular concerns with the project.

Stakeholder interviews will be held Monday through Dec. 15. To schedule one, call 265-0897.