Overhauling danger zone

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — Reconfiguring one of Kootenai County's busiest and most crash-prone interchanges is a state priority over the next five years.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, there were 297 crashes between 2012 and 2017 on or near the Interstate 90/Highway 41/Seltice Way interchange in Post Falls. That included two fatalities. Nine people suffered serious injuries during that time.

ITD, which is planning to reconstruct the interchange in 2023 or sooner if funding becomes available, will hold an open house on design concepts Nov. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Post Falls Police Department, 1717 E. Polston Ave. Public input is being sought.

The interchange is being redesigned to improve safety and capacity amid traffic volume increases that are only expected to continue. During peak times, westbound I-90 traffic that exits at the interchange can get backed up onto the freeway, causing dangerous situations.

A project goal is to separate traffic on Seltice Way with that of I-90 and Highway 41. Both bridges on I-90 will be rebuilt.

"We want to build the bridges wide enough to accommodate the traffic that's currently backing up on the hill," said Shannon Stein, project manager.

Twenty-nine property owners near the interchange have been notified about the project.

Justin Wuest, ITD engineer, said that regardless of the design that's chosen, it appears some property owners may be required to move to accommodate the project. However, he said it's too early to discuss how many or other specifics, pending the design that's chosen and other factors.

One front-running design, estimated to cost between $60 million and $70 million, reduces the number of traffic signals at the interchange down to one. That signal would be under I-90.

"There are quite a few signals before you can get through the interchange and we'd like to reduce those," Wuest said.

Highway 41 would also be shifted to the west to allow more room for ramps.

The other preferred design, estimated at $30 million to $40 million, includes a redesign of the westbound I-90 off-ramp to allow more room to slow down.

"Both designs will change the look of Seltice and Highway 41 at the interchange," said Stein, adding that Seltice could be raised up over Highway 41 (Ross Point) to allow for improved traffic flow.

Other considerations during the design phase include an at-grade railroad crossing, barriers between lands, the proximity of the Huetter rest area, providing continued access for cyclists and pedestrians and the grade of the interstate.

All of the designs will be on display during the open house. ITD is working with the city of Post Falls, Federal Highway Administration, Kootenai County and other agencies on the project.

The design will be finalized and right of way will be acquired in 2019 and 2020.

Federal funding will pay for most of the project with ITD providing a 7.34 percent match.

With the interchange being the crossroads of I-90 and Highway 41, traffic will be affected during construction, Stein said.

"We will try to minimize the impacts as much as possible," she said. "Any impact is going to feel heavy out there."

Stein said it will likely take two construction seasons to complete the project.

Residents can stay informed on the project at itdprojects.org/I90Idaho-41 and ask questions by calling 208-772-8013 or sending an email to: shannon.stein@itd.idaho.gov