I-90 Beck interchange comments sought

POST FALLS - The Interstate 90 interchange project at Beck Road near Cabela's in Post Falls has advanced to the public input phase.

An open house and hearing will be held on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Post Falls City Hall Rotunda, 408 N. Spokane St.

The much-anticipated interchange, in the works for several years, is expected to help spur on economic development on the west side of Post Falls.

Open house attendees can review and comment on the proposed interchange design and the resulting environmental impacts.

Copies of the Environmental Assessment are available at Post Falls City Hall or at www.postfallsidaho.org/legals.html.

The comment period ends July 12.

Construction of the interchange, estimated to cost $35 million, could start as soon as this winter.

The project is the first in Idaho to utilize the State Tax Anticipated Revenue (STAR) legislation approved in 2007. The legislation allows private developers to initially fund projects before being reimbursed through sales tax revenue from the project.

An interchange connecting to an interstate highway system must obtain approval through the Federal Higway Administration.

The I-90 Beck Road Interchange Justification Report, completed in October 2010, concluded that there is sufficient justification for a new interchange that would connect W. Pointe Parkway north of I-90 to W. Riverbend Avenue south of the freeway.

The project includes a bridge over the interstate and ramps accessing and exiting I-90 for both directions of travel.

Other additions include improvements to the Centennial Trail that would prevent interrupted bike and pedestrian travel and also allow users to access the interchange.

The project ends north of I-90 at the intersection of N. Beck Road and W. Seltice Way.

Beck in that area will be made into a five-lane arterial.