STATE: Boost key alternate route

The accidents on I-90 east of Coeur d’Alene on Saturday essentially shut down the freeway in both directions for over 4 hours. During that time, many motorists chose to use Yellowstone Trail Road, the only alternate route around the accident. I observed long backups and slowdowns on this road, in both directions, from I-90 as I inched along there.

This road, which used to be part of Highway 10 before I90 existed, is maintained by East Side Highway District, even though it is owned by the state of Idaho. They are currently trying to get a grant from Idaho to improve Yellowstone Trail Road. I would urge everyone who supports an adequate alternate route between Coeur d’Alene and Highway 97 (I-90, exit 22) to contact IDT with their support for this project.

In the meantime, there is approximately one mile of the road that is gravel, between the end of Blue Creek Bay to above what used to be the Shady Rest Resort east of Blue Creek Bay. Any pavement-only motorcycles that chose to detour to Yellowstone Trail Road may not have known about this section of the road and could have had problems riding on it. I think it is reasonable that East Side Highway District take the minimal steps to finally pave/chip seal this section of the road to accommodate all vehicles.

ROBIN BOHNA

Coeur d’Alene