Overpass construction to start

POST FALLS - Construction of the long-awaited $14.7 million Greensferry overpass at Interstate 90 in Post Falls is expected to start in October and finish in late summer or fall next year, according to the engineering firm representing the Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency.

"The contractor Ralph L. Wadsworth is working with the adjacent property owners and PFURA on right of way acquisition along Greensferry Road that will allow the road to be widened for the overpass," said Brad Marshall, senior planner for JUB Engineers.

"The contractor is also working with area utilities companies to relocate utilities that are in the construction area."

The project between the Highway 41 interchange and the Seltice Way exit is intended to ease traffic congestion on Highway 41 and Idaho Street, create economic development and improve emergency response by connecting both sides of the freeway.

It will include two lanes in each direction, bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides.

The PFURA formed the Greensferry Overpass Citizen Review Board which will provide an ongoing review of the project throughout construction. The next meeting will be held on Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.

Subsequent meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the basement of Post Falls City Hall. Meetings are open to the public. Marshall said a meeting or two may not be held during the winter when construction has stopped or slowed due to the weather.

Marshall said the main purpose of the board is to review coordination efforts by the contractor with the public, adjacent property owners and stakeholders on topics such as traffic and impacts on business during construction.

"This is one of the first boards of this nature in North Idaho that we are aware, yet on projects of this type citizen review boards are becoming more common in surrounding states," Marshall said.

Voting members of the board include: Pam Houser, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO; Eve Knudtsen, Knudtsen Chevrolet; Mike White, Parker Volkswagen; Kathy Sprinkle, CEM Lifts; and Marie Howell, area resident.

Non-voting members include: Tom Lien, PFURA executive director; Larry Carstensen, PFURA board member; Kerri Thoreson, Post Falls City Council; and Terry Werner, Bill Melvin and Scot Haug, all of the city of Post Falls. Mike Worrall and Marshall of JUB will assist the board.

As a result of the overpass, River City Dentistry and Financial Strategies, both in the same building on the south side of the freeway and west of Greensferry, along with an adjacent homeowner, will need to relocate, Marshall said. Seven business will remain along Greensferry.

Worrall said the builder is required to follow federal acquisition rules to purchase the properties. The property owners will be compensated for their relocation costs based on fair market value.

Those with questions or comments about the overpass can contact Marshall at 755-1862 or bmarshall@jub.com.

The extension of Spencer Street from Second Avenue to Seltice Way, which is another PFURA project in the works, is expected to go out to bid early next year. The start of construction is expected around April.

Both Spencer and Greensferry are in the East Post Falls Urban Renewal District.