Bridge to nowhere

I live in Lincoln Heights and bicycle all over the city. I was thrilled when the University District Gateway Bridge finally opened. For me it was a straight shot down Sherman, across Sprague and over the bridge. This improved and greatly expanded my bicycle route options.

About a month ago I was shocked to see Sprague Ave. completely torn up and the route to the University Bridge blocked. Well, almost blocked. I am able to walk my bicycle across the construction site, dodge machinery and carefully make my way to the bridge - but I am alone. Do I ever see anyone on the University Bridge? No. And I ride across it almost daily.

The city has effectively built a bridge and blocked off one end of it. There’s no signage telling bicyclists how to access the bridge from Sprague and walking across a busy construction site seems designed to discourage any riders. Yes, I understand that work on Sprague Ave. needs to be done but to build an expensive bridge and then essentially abandon it two months after its grand opening seems absurd.

Alexander Ring

Spokane