Kirstin Davis, 509.625.7773
Monday, December 11, 2023 at 5:35 p.m.
City of Spokane has been awarded $9.6 million to address improving safety along arterials where 85 percent of fatal and serious crashes occur involving pedestrians and bicyclists. With the local match required by the federal grant, the City will invest $12 million in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
The City submitted an application outlining improvements based on its Vision Zero Action Plan that identifies high-priority locations for bicycle and pedestrian improvements. The needed work is focused on areas with more vulnerable populations, where underserved populations and residents experiencing homelessness are concentrated. The work will be focused on making sure that people of all ages and abilities can get around the City safely and effectively.
“We are thrilled to learn we will be receiving these funds that will help improve community safety when traveling throughout our City,” said Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward.
“Spokane continues to diversify its transportation needs and we want people to be safe when they are walking and biking in our City,” says Public Works Director Marlene Feist. “We look forward to getting projects under way to benefit the community.”
Projects are slated for areas that include downtown, Logan, East Central, West Central and others that are close in proximity to the City’s core.
What has been proposed in the plan?
What’s the cost breakdown of the arterial improvements plan?
Next steps for development and implementation of the projects include planning based on criteria outlined by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Specific project timelines won’t be available until then, however the project list is expected to be complete in the fall of 2024, followed by construction happening between late 2025 through 2027.
