One construction project beats two in Post Falls

The Post Falls City Council and the Idaho Transportation Department have agreed it makes more sense to combine two Spokane Street construction projects into one.

At Tuesday's council meeting, Andrew Arbini, the city's projects division manager, explained ITD's proposal to extend the scope of the project.

"We have the Spokane Street project in the middle, the original city's project is to the south, the Post Falls Highway District bridge project is currently under construction, and then to the north would be the ITD additional paving that would be combined into the Spokane Street project," Arbini said.

Initially, the city received a $1.17 million ITD Strategic Initiatives Grant to rehabilitate the north end of the Spokane River bridge to the eastbound ramps on Interstate 90, scheduled from July through October. The Post Falls Highway District's Spokane River Bridge project was the first phase.

Now, ITD is offering an additional $700,000 for the city to extend the work north from the eastbound ramp to Seltice Way, an area under ITD's jurisdiction. Otherwise, the city would need to add this section to a future larger paving project.

"They recognize the pavement is in poor condition and saw the city's project as an opportunity and a vehicle to accomplish some of that maintenance work now. This is a benefit to both the city and ITD if we were to move forward," Arbini stated.

The combined Spokane Street project includes replacing asphalt, repairing sewer manholes at Spokane Street/Seltice Way and the I-90 eastbound ramps, replacing the rail crossing utility casing, upgrading waterlines, hydrants and storm drainage, installing dry utilities and constructing ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps.

Mayor Ron Jacobson supported the change, saying, "Spokane Street right now is a mess because of the bridge work and it's going to be even worse when we have to live through it until October, but I think we'll be able to reap the benefits of that."

Councilman Joe Malloy motioned to approve the combined project scope, passing unanimously.

"It's significantly easier to approve stuff when it's not coming out of the city's budget," Jacobson said.

The Spokane Street rehabilitation project should begin in mid-July, and the latest highway district report indicates the Spokane Street bridge construction is on or ahead of schedule.

    The Spokane Street rehabilitation project and bridge project, along with the Idaho Transportation Department extension to the construction work.