Miracle on 15th Street? Almost

COEUR d’ALENE — The city of Coeur d’Alene is moving ahead with a 15th Street reconstruction plan that would shore up a mile-long section of the thoroughfare between Harrison and Best avenues.

The project, which is in the final planning stage, would add sidewalks, bolster stormwater systems, and level and resurface the street, which has been a patching project for more than a decade, according to the city.

The mile section which passes under Interstate 90 and runs adjacent to Cherry Hill Park is the last section to be completed under a 15th Street reconstruction plan that began in 2008.

Street superintendent Tim Martin said the street was on the radar of route planners long before that.

“We’re happy it’s going to get done,” Martin said.

There is a snag:

No money has been set aside for the work. Not yet, anyway.

By completing the design, the project would be ready to break ground when money becomes available.

“We’re anticipating funding,” Martin said. “We heard there will be some funding cut loose for shovel-ready projects.”

The work, which will likely cost a little over $1 million — similar projects usually cost around $1 million per road mile — will include sidewalks on the street’s west side, two lanes with middle turn lanes, storm water work, curbs and gutters, and a bicycle trail on the east side.

By agreeing to spend $63,500 to finish the design, City Council members will get a chance to push the project ahead at tonight’s council meeting.

Once the design is completed and funding secured, it will likely take two seasons to complete the work.

“This stretch of 15th Street has a more complicated and lengthier design process because it involves major utility relocates, storm water issues, and right-of-way acquisition,” Martin said. “We’re hoping to start construction within a two or three year timeframe.”

The Coeur d’Alene City Council meets at 6 p.m. today in the Community Room of Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 Front. Ave.