Some busy roads getting speed limit adjustments
It’s going to be more important than ever in the coming weeks to pay attention to your speed.
Both Spokane and Spokane County are changing speed limits on some of the area’s most traveled roads.
On Spokane’s South Hill, 29th Avenue is going from a tortoise-like 20 mph to 30 mph – at least temporarily.
The City Council agreed last week to make the change on a trial basis.
The low speed limit there has been a thorn in the side of the many drivers caught speeding on what is the South Hill’s busiest east-west arterial.
Let’s face it, in our fast-paced society driving 20 mph can be difficult. That foot just naturally pushes on the pedal a little too hard.
In the unincorporated county, however, you might want to let up on the gas.
Both Bigelow Gulch Road’s and Argonne Road’s speed limits are being cut from 45 mph to 35 mph near their intersection to improve safety.
The speed limit on Idaho Road, right on the line between Washington and Idaho, will be lowered from 45 mph to 35 mph between Sunrise Lane and Spokane Bridge Road. Likewise, Spokane Bridge Road’s speed limit will also be lowered to 35 mph from Interstate 90 to Idaho Road.
Neighbors along this road have long complained that it is unsafe.
The Spokane County changes will take effect as soon as the signs are erected.
Passing through
It’s now easier to drive west over Snoqualmie Pass.
State crews have completed work to stabilize a rock face there, and all the lanes are now open.
The work was required by a major rock fall that killed three women in mid-September.
Training drivers
It’s never a good idea for motorists to take on freight trains, but this week will be an even worse time than most in North Idaho.
The Idaho State Police and local law enforcement are conducting a sting patrol to catch those who illegally cross the tracks in front of oncoming trains.
On Wednesday and Thursday, they will be riding on trains to spot violations, which will be radioed to patrol cars who will ticket the drivers.
Ticket or no, though, don’t mess with a train. You’ll lose.
Fair warning
Spokane police will be cracking down on speeders this week near Spokane Falls Community College.
And don’t even try that, “I’m late for class” excuse. It’s not going to cut it.
Slow going
Eastbound I-90 will be reduced to one lane from Argonne to Sullivan so that crews can remove the temporary barriers. The closures will start at 7 p.m. and run until 6 a.m. tonight through Halloween. And remember the speed limit on both sides of the freeway here is still 50 mph.
Highway 2 motorists may face delays up north near Holland Road and the Shopko store this week while water service is extended to a business in the vicinity.
The Coulee Hite Bridge is closed for rebuilding on Coulee Hite Road, just south of Highway 2.
Medical Lake-Four Lakes Road is under construction between Highway 904 and Craig Road. Local traffic only is permitted. Expect delays.
Utility work means 16th Avenue will be closed near Lindeke through Tuesday.
West Chattaroy Road is closed from North Road to Perry Road and East Chattaroy Road is closed from Regal to Perry.
Regal Street is still under construction from 57th Avenue to the Palouse Highway.
The Palouse Highway is closed from Valley Chapel Road to Dunn Road. A detour is in place.
Hays Road Bridge between Kentuck Trails Road and Prairie View will be closed until next summer.