EDITORIAL: Don't miss ITD's open house March 5
We urge residents to attend the Idaho Transportation Department’s open house on the Interstate 90, U.S. 95 interchange project March 5.
Why?
Because whether you know it or not, what happens there will have a direct impact on you, your neighbors and many businesses. This could be a gamechanger.
As it stands, ITD has come up with four options with a goal of improving traffic flow at the congested area on U.S. 95 between Ironwood Drive and Appleway Avenue. Its top choice calls for a bridge over Appleway. If that sounds like a drastic change, that’s because it would definitely be one.
As Coeur d’Alene Councilor Dan Gookin pointed out, a bridge is not only expensive, but would have a negative impact on Appleway businesses because it would restrict drivers’ access to the busy commercial corridor off of U.S. 95. Northbound drivers would have to basically find a way to circle back if, for instance, they wanted to have lunch at Tomato Street or stop in at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts.
Now, a little extra time navigating streets doesn’t sound like a big deal, but we all know when it becomes even the slightest more difficult to get to where we want to go, we’ll just go someplace else. Whatever is most convenient is our preference. The concern is, some will stop doing business on Appleway because it’s no longer simple to drive there if you’re using U.S. 95.
We agree something must be done. We don’t need any road rage incidents as traffic gets worse, which it will. The U.S. 95/Appleway Avenue intersection is already busy, particularly during rush hours, and with traffic expected to double by 2045, the current setting will no longer be functional. If left alone, it would be a madhouse of angry drivers.
An ITD spokesperson said a bridge over Appleway Avenue is their top choice to improve traffic flow. Of their other three options, two do not include a bridge.
For those who are not familiar with this project, here’s are some details of what the I-90, U.S. 95 interchange design involves:
• New single-point urban interchange (SPUI) at I-90 and U.S. 95
• Interchange ramp improvements at Fourth Street
• I-90 widening from U.S. 95 to Fourth Street
• U.S. 95 widening from Emma Avenue to Bosanko Avenue
• U.S. 95 will be elevated on a bridge, and Appleway Avenue will be lowered so that the two roads are grade separated (no longer intersect)
Intersection improvements on: U.S. 95, from Emma Avenue to Neider Avenue; Fourth Street, at the westbound I-90 ramps and Appleway/Best Avenue; Northwest Boulevard, at the westbound I-90 ramps and Appleway Avenue and bicycle and pedestrian improvements along I-90 and U.S. 95
It is important residents learn about each option and how they will impact the place you call home. Don’t assume it will all work out. This is your chance to provide input and be sure this project is done well.
ITD will have the information you need at the open house, which is scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. at Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn, which is, ironically, on Appleway Avenue.