Hoopfest a real test for drivers
You might have to get your game on before you even make it to Hoopfest.
With Third Avenue torn down in places to bare dirt, the Monroe Street Bridge closed and the Washington/Stevens corridor under construction, just getting to your court could be a challenge.
Hoopfest’s Keli Riley said downtown parking garages will still be accessible, but people might want to give themselves some extra time.
“We’re looking forward to the Monroe Street Bridge being open next year,” Riley said.
Players and fans should keep in mind that drivers may be a bit frustrated, and be especially careful along two main streets left open through downtown, Washington and Stevens.
Barker behind
Spokane Valley has postponed its Barker Road project until next year.
“We got a late start on getting the design started, and it’s taken us a while to get all the right of way to make the improvements,” said Spokane Valley Senior Engineer Steve Worley. “Now that we’re this late in the year, it’s not a good time to bid projects.”
The plan to add a turn lane between Boone and the Barker Road Bridge, as well as curbs, sidewalks and signal at Mission, will have to wait.
Two-feet, two-wheel transit
Interested in improving walking and biking conditions in Eastern Washington?
The Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking someone for its Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
The seven-member committee is made up of people from across the state. Each serves a three-year term.
The volunteer group meets three times a year and conducts other business via conference calls.
If you’d like to apply, send a cover letter and resume including relevant experience to: Rebecca Smith, WSDOT Eastern Region, 2714 N. Mayfair St., Spokane, WA 99207-2090.
Applications are due by Wednesday.
Fair warning
The Spokane Police Department’s traffic unit will be focusing its efforts this week near A Street between Francis and Wellesley.
They’ll be looking for lead-footed drivers.
And remember, the kids are out of school so it’s 20 mph near parks.
The signs are up, and if you don’t obey, you could be ticketed.
No going/slow going
Brace yourself for the weekly rundown.
New this week, the Palouse Highway will be closed from Valley Chapel Road to Dunn Road. A detour is in place.
Ash Street is closed between Francis and Wellesley.
Third Avenue is still torn up in downtown Spokane.
The Eighth Avenue portion of the Washington arterial is closed from McClellan to Washington and Washington is then reduced to two lanes to Third Avenue.
A Street is closed between Wellesley and Hoffman for construction of a roundabout.
High Drive is getting a grind and patch job from 29th to Manito Boulevard. Expect some lane closures.
Government Way is still slow-going in the area of Spokane Falls Community College while crews wrap up installing a water main.
Regal is still a mess of construction from 38th Avenue south to the city limits.
Crestline is one lane in each direction from Wellesley to Francis.
A left-turn lane is being constructed on Highway 2 north of Spokane near Riverside. Expect some restrictions.
Park Road work between Second and Eighth avenues may mean some lane restrictions. And farther north, Park Road is closed from Trent Avenue to Rutter Avenue for another sewer project.
Fourth Avenue is closed between University and Farr Road for Sherwood Forest sewer work.
Highway 195 construction just south of the Horn School Rest Area (milepost 57) could mean delays with single-lane traffic being directed by flaggers.
Highway 395 evening construction between Colville and the Columbia River will require single-lane traffic and pilot cars. Expect to wait up to 15 minutes to get through the 11-mile section. And just south of Chewelah, there may be restrictions this week for the installation of a left-turn lane.