Centennial Trail change in Coeur d'Alene OK'd

A short section of the North Idaho Centennial Trail will be altered as part of the Interstate 90 widening project between Highway 41 and U.S. 95. 

The Coeur d’Alene General Services/Public Works Committee on Monday approved an agreement with the Idaho Transportation Department to realign a small part of the 23-mile trail that is located within ITD right-of-way on the south side of I-90 and north of Seltice Way.

City engineer Chris Bosley said ITD is looking to place a large swale in the area where the trail is located east of Atlas Way to accommodate stormwater from the I-90 widening.

“ITD is going to have to reroute the Centennial Trail,” Bosley said. 

The Centennial Trail is likely to be rerouted for a stretch between Northwest Boulevard and Atlas Road toward the paved trail that runs along Seltice Way. Work could start this year.

The agreement will allow ITD to advertise for bids and enter the construction phase of the project, which is expected to occur in the spring, the city report said. 

City Councilor Dan Gookin asked about the involvement of the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation. 

“They’re going to be in the loop?” Gookin asked. 

Bosley said they were. 

He said Monte McCulley, city trails coordinator, communicates often with the foundation and has been part of discussions with ITD. 

Tabitha Bonner, NICTF executive director, said ITD is expected to give a presentation next month to the foundation board. 

The 35-year-old trail is used by hundreds of thousands of people each year and has an estimated annual economic impact of about $3 million, so proposed changes are scrutinized. 

“If they’re rerouting the trail, they have to let us know first,” she said Monday. 

The I-90 widening project calls for four lanes in both directions, replacement of the Atlas Bridge and Prairie Trail Bridge, ramp improvements at the Northwest Boulevard and U.S. 95 interchanges, and improvements along the Centennial Trail and Prairie Trail, according to a city report. 

“The Project requires temporary construction access onto a city parcel for trail improvements and the state desires to quitclaim property to the city for a section of the realigned Centennial Trail,” the report said. “The purpose of this agreement is to document the roles and responsibilities of the City and ITD.” 

The agreement with ITD must still go to the City Council for consideration.