Work at Pines, I-90 continues

Beginning Monday, Pines Road at the Interstate 90 interchange will be reduced to one lane in each direction weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. as construction continues on a project to relieve traffic congestion in the area.

On Fridays the lanes will reopen at 3 p.m. Preparation work along Mansfield Avenue has already begun, and local traffic is being detoured. Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion and delays.

The project will change the configuration of the interchange and the way westbound I-90 traffic enters and exits the freeway at Pines, to eliminate traffic back-ups that often extend passed Mission Avenue, according to a city of Spokane Valley press release.

Existing freeway ramps at the north end of the overpass will be closed and traffic will be redirected via modified existing ramps at Montgomery Avenue and Indiana Avenue.

To eliminate traffic conflicts at the on ramp, eastbound traffic along Montgomery will be rerouted onto Mansfield through a new roundabout at Montgomery/Wilbur. Montgomery Avenue west of Pines Road will be open only to westbound traffic.

For more information, log onto the city’s Web site at www.spokanevalley.org and click on the link for the Pines/Mansfield project, or call 688-0232.

Railroad signals destroyed in crash

A drunken driver destroyed two Union Pacific Railroad crossing gates and damaged a crosswalk signal early Wednesday.

Officers said the driver was eastbound on Appleway Boulevard shortly after midnight when he smashed into the crossing signals and gates at the intersection of Dishman-Mica Road and had his 2008 GMC Sierra pickup stuck in a ditch.

Spokane Valley police identified the suspect as Timothy C. Kane, 48, of 1122 S. Pierce Road.

Sgt. Dave Reagan said Kane suffered minor injuries and was taken home after being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

Liberty Lake

Guitar Hero tourney Aug. 22

Limber up your fingers. The city of Liberty Lake will host a Guitar Hero tournament Aug. 22 in Pavillion Park. The competition is for all ages and skill levels and is limited to the first 96 contestants who register.

The competition will run from 2:30 to 10 p.m. in the park at Country Vista Drive and Molter Road. The entry fee is $5 and participants will receive T-shirts and have a chance to win prizes. The grand prize is a Dean electric guitar.

The registration deadline is Friday. Registration forms are available at City Hall. Call 755-6726 for more information.

– From staff reports