Community stuck on U.S. 95
As you drive the stretch of U.S. 95 between the Spokane River and Prairie Avenue, dear motorists, let’s see a show of hands of happy drivers.
Oh, dear. That extended digit probably doesn’t mean you think driving U.S. 95 is No. 1 for speed and safety, does it? Well, you’ve got plenty of company on that sentiment, including the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.
Frustrated at what he perceives as a lack of communication — and, dare we say, a subsequent lack of action? — Police Chief Lee White grows weary with the status quo at the Idaho Transportation Department. White notes that the 5 miles of U.S. 95 within Coeur d’Alene city limits sees half the crashes on the highway’s total of 155 miles in Region 1. Last year, there were 226 crashes on White’s 5-mile concrete nightmare.
The chief says he’s been trying to get ITD to listen for three years. Net result: Two meetings, zero progress.
White doesn’t profess to be an engineer, but he says you don’t need to be one to see standing traffic repeatedly along that stretch and recognize that rotten signal coordination is to blame. And there are plenty of single-digit hands in the air again, seconding the chief’s motion.
Improvements taking place on Government Way right now might ease the congestion and frustration fractionally. Many motorists already slog slowly along Ramsey Road and Northwest Boulevard during peak commute times, so there’s little relief there. Over on Fourth Street, the 25 mph speed limit is a deterrent to all drivers not interested in large lots or roaming deer. Thus, north-south arterials simply aren’t much of an option to U.S. 95.
Further, the grand plan of a major bypass, perhaps over on Huetter Road west of the heavy congestion, not only is unbudgeted but unplanned. And with a current estimated cost of more than $200 million, our infrasturure-deficient state isn’t likely to cut that ribbon any decade soon.
U.S. 95 is a mess that ITD is going to address with $8.5 million in improvement work scheduled to begin next year, but surely, steps can be taken now to ease the congestion slightly, saving a few fenders and personal injury lawsuits in the meantime. Even if there’s no panacea, there are possibilities worth exploring.
On behalf of all those waving motorists on U.S. 95, some constructive talks between ITD officials and Chief White can’t hurt. With vast experience in traffic flow and safety here and in Arizona, White might have some suggestions worth heeding.
Otherwise, drivers on our little stretch of the highway to hell will just keep fuming through red light after red light.