Huetter freeway option to be studied

For those who think that the wheels of government can’t be turned once they’re in motion, a Thursday afternoon meeting on right of way for a proposed Huetter Road freeway proved them wrong.

After two hours of public comments opposing the plan, the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization decided to also study a new option proposed by people in the crowd.

That alternative to move traffic between Interstate 90 and where Highway 53 and Highway 95 merge in Rathdrum would combine Post Falls’ desire for an I-90 interchange at Greensferry Road with Union Pacific railroad right of way.

Plans to eliminate at-grade railroad crossings in Spokane and Kootenai counties call for that Union Pacific track to be abandoned, and under the Greensferry/railroad scenario, fewer people would likely have their property taken than if Huetter were used as a major new north-south freeway.

The Greensferry interchange has been put on hold until enough funding is available, but combining it with a new north-south Rathdrum Prairie freeway would solve two problems in one shot, saving money on both, said Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin, a KMPO board member.

“The light comes on,” said Larkin as the potential for the route became clear.

A Huetter Road bypass would likely carry 38,000 vehicles a day by 2030 if it were built, said Christine Fueston with consultant Ruen-Yeager & Associates.

Public comments at the meeting came only from those who live along Huetter Road, and all were opposed to the project.

Many said there hadn’t been enough notice about the project. Others said they feared its effect on their quality of life and property values.

Dan Mouchett said that efforts to preserve the right of way could have a disastrous effect on property owners, particularly if that right of way wasn’t quickly purchased, preventing them from selling.

“What you’re doing to the property owners is now you’ve just trapped me in my house until you can afford to buy me out,” he said.

KMPO board Chairman Lynn Humphreys said that previous comments submitted from those who don’t live near Huetter have been more favorable, focusing on the positive impact the project could have on traffic congestion.

“We have to make the best decision that’s going to benefit the majority of people,” Humphreys said.