In brief: Prepare for bridge closure
Residents and businesses in the area have received mailers advising them of the reconstruction and planned closure of Barker Road Bridge this summer. The mailer includes information on the project and suggested detour routes to use during construction.
“If all goes according to schedule we should begin construction some time in June,” said senior engineer and project coordinator Ken Knutson in a press release. “It will be good to finally get it started,” he said of the project that has been on the city’s six-year Transportation Improvement Plan since shortly after incorporation in 2003.
Keeping part of the existing bridge open during construction had been considered, but the idea was discarded due to the extended construction period and increased construction costs that would result.
When completed, the new bridge will be about 36 feet wider than the existing bridge, which is more than 50 years old. Bicycle lanes will be added, and the sidewalks will be widened to meet current standards. The new bridge also will reduce the number of support piers in the river from five to two.
“That will be a bonus for recreational uses,” said Knutson, who explained that the city has also involved Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club and the Friends of the Centennial Trail to discuss how to minimize restrictions to river and trail access during construction. The project also will include parking for recreational users on the northbound side of the bridge.
Construction is expected to continue through September 2009. It is being funded by a $10 million bridge replacement grant from the Federal Highway Administration.
– From staff reports
Edgecliff
Center’s grand opening Friday
The Edgecliff Neighborhood Center will host a grand opening celebration Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Housed in the former Pratt Elementary at 6903 E. Fourth Ave., the center is staffed largely by volunteers from Edgecliff SCOPE. The volunteers run an after-school program and other community events.
The celebration will include recognition of two local families that have made significant financial donations to the center.
Millwood
Basketball event next Saturday
The fifth annual Morrie’s Horse Basketball Shooting Contest is set for next Saturday at West Valley High School, 8301 E. Buckeye Ave. The contest is open to anyone in second grade and older. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and games begin at 9.
The cost is $25 before Thursday, $30 after, which includes two or more games in the competition, a T-shirt and barbecue. The event benefits the American Diabetes Association. Call 624-7478 for more information.
– Nina Culver