Corridor planning valid

Greg Higgins’ views on the North Spokane Corridor (Roundtable, May 9) need a few corrections.

As required by the Federal Highway Administration, the Washington State Department of Transportation’s original study for the north-south corridor had to look at least 20 years into the future. This look ahead is accomplished with computer models based on land use depicted in the Comprehensive Plan. The original designs call for the six- and eight-lane sections to meet that future demand.

Now that it’s under construction we are building the facility in usable segments, sized by available budget and current needs. That’s why a slimmed-down section from the Spokane River to Francis Avenue, as announced by Sens. Lisa Brown and Chris Marr in November, is viable. The plan includes extending drivable segments farther south to I-90, as funding permits, while making sure that we have the right-of-way width to expand the system as needed in the future.

Landscaping and architectural enhancements are already a part of the corridor design, as well as noise reduction features. And, as a limited-access facility, the NSC will utilize interchanges and bridges, thereby reducing cross-traffic congestion as well as improving safety.

Keith Metcalf

Regional administrator, Washington state

Department of Transportation

Spokane