Rathdrum Prairie traffic solutions draw community input
From left: Laura Winter of Ruen-Yeager and Associates, and Jerry Wilson from the Idaho Transportation Department, listen to Rathdrum resident Chris share her thoughts on what needs to be done to make transportation on the Rathdrum Prairie safer.
HAILEY HILL/Press
COEUR d’ALENE — Community members weighed in on 13 different plans to improve existing roadways on the Rathdrum Prairie during a public meeting at Lake City Center on Wednesday night.
A few dozen attendees had a chance to view mapped-out proposals as well as talk to representatives from the Idaho Transportation Department and other local agencies.
The meeting was part of an ongoing Planning and Environmental Linkages Study aimed at addressing safety concerns and optimizing mobility across the region.
“Our biggest reason for being here is to garner feedback,” said Heather McDaniel, ITD’s public information officer.
Several attendees voiced concerns with the intersection at Hayden Avenue and Meyer Road, where a roundabout is currently scheduled to be constructed by 2027.
“How many more deaths, more accidents, are we going to have?” said one resident, who thought the roundabout's construction should begin sooner.
Kevin Kirlin, also of Rathdrum, echoed the resident's thoughts.
“I may be in the minority here, but I’m pro-roundabout,” Kirlin said, citing late-afternoon congestion on Hayden Avenue.
“A lot of times, traffic is backed up for a quarter mile or more,” Kirlin said. “I like roundabouts best for their simplicity.”
Iain Fisher of Post Falls said that “any options for improvements would be nice.”
“Growth is here. It’s coming, and it’s not stopping,” Fisher said. “Any alternatives to the current situation would be great to see, and safer, too.”
Another meeting will be held tonight at 4:30 p.m. at the Trailhead Event Center in Post Falls.