The face of public transit takes shape
LOREN BENOIT/Press Construction continues on the new transit center waiting shelter Friday in Riverstone in Coeur d’Alene. The facility will include a covered outdoor waiting area, public restrooms, office space, a multi-purpose conference room, storage, and a driver break room. The project is projected to be finished August 2019.
The $2.1 million transit center being constructed in Riverstone in Coeur d'Alene will include a waiting shelter, public restrooms, office space, a multi-purpose conference room, storage space, dispatch and driver breakroom. (Rendering courtesy of Kootenai County)
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff Writer
COEUR d'ALENE — Public transportation in Kootenai County is gradually taking on a new look.
Construction on the $2.1 million, 1,900-square-foot Riverstone Transit Center has rounded corners and is on schedule for an August 2019 finish, said Jody Bieze, the county's public transportation director.
"Rough-in electrical, plumbing and sewer are complete," she said, adding that the footings have also been poured.
The mild winter so far has kept the construction momentum in full swing on the 4-acre site in the Riverstone development in Coeur d'Alene, Bieze said.
The facility, with 80 parking stalls, will replace the temporary transit center site in Riverstone.
The facility will include a covered outdoor waiting area, public restrooms, office space, a multi-purpose conference room, security cameras, storage, dispatch and a driver break room.
"The Riverstone Transit Center will be a key component of our urban public transportation network design," Bieze said. "It will serve as a key transfer point of all our routes."
Bieze said the center will also provide improved access for seniors and those with disabilities.
She said the center will provide a safe and secure hub for about 12,000 riders each month who are using public transportation to get to education, employment, healthcare and recreation destinations.
Most of the funding for the project — about $1.6 million — will be covered with Federal Transit Administration and Idaho Transportation Department grants. The remaining $420,000 will come from local jurisdictions that offer Citylink service. The system serves Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Dalton Gardens and Huetter.
T. LaRiviere Equipment and Excavation won the construction bid in August and construction started in September. Prior to the bid opening, the project was estimated to cost $2 million.
"With the low unemployment numbers we are experiencing in the county, public transit is key to continued economic growth," Kootenai County Commissioner Chris Fillios said.
The center drew criticism during the public hearing process from residents who were concerned it would be a magnet for crime, a hangout for the homeless and could eventually connect with Spokane's public transportation system.
However, the public will be able to access the building inside by appointment only.
Another parking lot will be added in the future.
The center will be connected to pedestrian paths in the area.