City Considers Stopgap Traffic Control At Fifth, Freya In/Around: East Central

When the Spokane City Council voted last week to install a traffic light at the busy corner of Fifth and Freya, it was with the understanding that it would take about six months and $100,000.

But those were ballpark figures given to the council that night by Assistant City Manager Roger Flint, who hadn’t had time to research the issue.

It turns out the light could take up to nine months to install and will cost around $200,000.

That doesn’t mean the city won’t install the light, Flint said.

“We’re committed to putting in a light,” Flint said.

But because it will take longer than expected, Flint is proposing a temporary measure to slow traffic at the intersection, which is used by more than 100 children daily as they walk to Sheridan Elementary School.

One suggestion is for a four-way stop, with a red flashing light.

“It’s a stopgap measure that provides more safety to the intersection, with the understanding that more is on its way,” Flint said.

Flint said it’s worth taking the time to design the light properly so that it won’t have to be replaced if Freya is converted into a couplet with Thor, as has been discussed.

“I’d hate to see us not at least evaluate that potential,” he said. “In our haste to do the right thing, I also want to make sure we’re spending our money in the right way.”

City staff members will meet with members of the East Central neighborhood at 6:30 tonight at Sheridan to discuss the new plans.

At its March 20 meeting, held at the East Central Community Center, the City Council voted 6-0 to approve the light. At the meeting the council heard testimony from several community representatives about the need for a traffic light.

The city will apply for federal public safety money to pay for the new light. If none is available, the cost will come out of the city’s Transportation Department budget.

Sheridan Elementary Principal Brian Melody said he appreciated the city’s efforts.

“I think it shows some recognition on their part that there is a safety issue,” Melody said.

The traffic situation is serious, he said, as commuters from the South Hill tear down Freya every morning.

The school has posted crossing guards at the intersection for half an hour in the morning and afternoon, but Melody said they have trouble finding a break in the traffic to stop the cars.

Last May, a 10-year old girl was struck by a car at 9:10 a.m. - after the crossing guards had left for the morning.

Melody said the traffic is expected to increase another 20 to 30 percent after a new Fred Meyer store is completed on Third Avenue.

“It’s been a gradual increase in the last five years, and it was bad at that time,” he said.