City Council candidates’ views on Sprague-Appleway couplet
Candidates for contested Spokane Valley City Council races have varied stances on the direction and expansion of the Sprague-Appleway couplet.
Position 2 – Steve Taylor:
Should the existing Appleway couplet remain one way?
Yes, but we should explore opportunities to insert additional cross streets to provide for better access along the existing corridor.
Should the Sprague-Appleway couplet be extended along the Milwaukee Railroad right of way and if so, how far?
Yes, the couplet moves more traffic more easily through our city’s core retail strip. We should eventually extend it all the way through to Corbin Road where Sprague and Appleway split before Barker.
If extended, should the couplet remain one way in each direction?
The extension of Appleway should be the top priority. I am in favor of leaving the remaining portion of Sprague a two-way street and building Appleway as a one-way as long as there are no significant safety or traffic coordinating issues.
Position 2 – Jennie Willardson:
Should the existing Appleway couplet remain one way?
Returning Sprague to two-way from Argonne to University would be good for businesses, but the issue should be put before voters.
Should the Sprague-Appleway couplet be extended along the Milwaukee Railroad right of way and if so, how far?
Continuing the couplet will mean buying up back yards along Fourth Avenue. It could mean tearing down houses and businesses. Voters should be made aware of these impacts and decide if they want the extension.
If extended, should the couplet remain one way in each direction?
Ultimately, it is up to the people. The voters should decide whether they want to pay for finishing Appleway, whether it should be one way or two or whether the right of way should be used for light rail, bus and/or bicycles.
Position 3 – Mike DeVleming:
Should the existing Appleway couplet remain one way?
Yes, this is clearly what the majority of the community wants.
Should the Sprague-Appleway couplet be extended along the Milwaukee Railroad right of way and if so, how far?
Yes, when traffic dictates the need. It should connect, as designed, to the other portion of Appleway east of Flora.
If extended, should the couplet remain one way in each direction?
I haven’t seen enough information to make that decision.
Position 3 – Howard Herman:
Should the existing Appleway couplet remain one way?
I favor returning Sprague to two-way from University to at least Argonne. This would remove the impediment the fire and rescue workers have in trying to go east from Fire Station No. 1 and would preserve and bring some development back to Sprague, which would benefit the City in property and sales taxes.
Should the Sprague-Appleway couplet be extended along the Milwaukee Railroad right of way and if so, how far?
Depending on what the purpose and needs study reveals, I could be in favor of extending Appleway either as a one-way or two-way road as far as its intersection with East Appleway near Flora Road.
If extended, should the couplet remain one way in each direction?
No. One-way roads are designed to move traffic without regard to the commercial impacts. With the widening of Interstate 90, I doubt that a purpose and needs study will show that we need two high-speed arterials through the Valley.
Position 6 – Bill Gothmann:
Should the existing Appleway couplet remain one way?
The present couplet serves the city very well, and it should remain as it is. We can improve its function by adding more cross streets and improving the University/Sprague junction.
Should the Sprague-Appleway couplet be extended along the Milwaukee Railroad right of way and if so, how far?
We should extend it east to where Appleway and Sprague split near Tschirley Road, as shown in the draft Comprehensive Plan.
If extended, should the couplet remain one way in each direction?
I prefer a one-way extension, rather than two, two-way roads. However, in order to receive federal and state grants to cover the extension, we must first justify it. In order to do this, the city has hired consultants to study the extension, and we need to wait for their report.
Position 6 – Ed Mertens:
Should the existing Appleway couplet remain one way?
City engineers should look at installing express lanes on Sprague that allow traffic to flow in one direction during the morning and in the other in the evening.
Should the Sprague-Appleway couplet be extended along the Milwaukee Railroad right of way and if so, how far?
The city should do a lot of studying to find the best use of the right of way.
If extended, should the couplet remain one way in each direction?
If express lanes were installed, one-way traffic might not be a problem. If it’s done properly, I think people get used to the one-way roads.