I-90 plans creating headaches

The traffic artery through Spokane’s core is causing some downtown boosters heartburn.

The Washington Department of Transportation recently announced a two-summer plan to repair the Interstate 90 viaduct through downtown. It involves closing one side of the viaduct each summer over the next two years, reducing traffic from three lanes in each direction to two lanes and closing multiple downtown freeway ramps.

Downtown Spokane Partnership President Marty Dickinson said she isn’t convinced the state must close all the exits it plans to during the work.

“We just don’t feel like we’ve exhausted all our options,” Dickinson said.

In particular, Dickinson said she hopes engineers will find a way to keep the westbound Maple Street exit open next summer.

Right now, the plan is to allow only eastbound traffic to exit there and only westbound traffic to enter there.

Even though crews will work 24 hours a day, seven days a week only during the summer months, there still will be impacts.

“We still have Hoopfest and conventions coming into a brand-new Convention Center,” Dickinson said.

Construction turmoil has been almost unending in downtown Spokane over the past few years, said Dickinson. First, the state was working on the Trent Avenue bridge just east of downtown. Then it was the Monroe Street Bridge and Third Avenue. Next comes the freeway.

“We want to make sure the public-involvement process is thorough so you minimize the overall impact to downtown businesses,” Dickinson said.

She said she is encouraged by state transportation officials’ commitment to detailed signage during the I-90 project, but she said downtown business leaders will continue to push for improvements in the state’s plan.

Park it and relax

South Hill commuters eager to break the shackles of their gas-guzzling vehicles can rejoice.

The Spokane Transit Authority has a brand-new park-and-ride lot just for you.

The 97-space parking lot and mini-bus-hub at 31st Avenue and Southeast Boulevard officially opened Sunday, but it will greet its first 9-to-5 commuters today.

The $1.1 million facility includes a shelter and benches. The restroom is for drivers only, though, so mind your mom and take care of that issue before you leave home.

For schedules of buses serving the park-and-ride lot, call 328-RIDE or go online to www.spokanetransit.com.

Leaf it to the city

After you’re done groaning, how about moving your car off the street?

City street crews will start cleaning up fallen leaves this week. And no, that doesn’t include the leaves in your yard, so don’t you dare rake them into the street.

This week, street sweepers will be in the following areas:

Today – Woodridge area bounded by the north city limits, Barnes Road, Wieber Drive and Comanche; Driscoll area bounded by Wellesley, Garland, Belt and Northwest Boulevard; and Audubon area bounded by Garland, Northwest Boulevard on the south and west and Monroe.

Tuesday – Woodridge, Driscoll and Audubon areas again, plus Pacific Park bounded by Barnes, Sutherlin, Farmdale and Forest.

Wednesday – Shadle Park area bounded by Wellesley, Garland, Wall and Belt plus the Audubon area again.

Thursday – Indian Trail area bounded by Johansen, Francis, Cedar and Nine Mile Road; Downriver area bounded by Northwest Boulevard, Riverview, Meenach and Columbia Circle; and Clark Park area bounded by Wellesley, Garland, Division and Wall.

Fair warning

The weather may not be conducive to picnics, but it’s perfectly fine for busting speeders near Manito Park.

The Spokane Police Department will conduct emphasis patrols near Manito this week and will be on the lookout for speeders there.

Remember, the speed limit near the park is 20 mph.

Slow going

If weather allows, crews may be finishing up I-90 construction between Argonne and Sullivan this week. Eastbound traffic could be reduced to one lane at times. The westbound Evergreen on-ramp is open.

Also, weather permitting, work may impede traffic on 27th Avenue between Ray and Southeast Boulevard.

Division Street will be reduced to two lanes today just south of North Foothills Drive while crews install a hydrant. On Tuesday, Division and Ruby could be affected by work between the Spokane River and Euclid.

Regal Road remains under construction from 57th Avenue to the Palouse Highway.

Medical Lake-Four Lakes Road is closed to all but local traffic between state Highway 904 and Craig Road.

The Palouse Highway still is closed from Valley Chapel Road to Dunn Road.