ITD announces plans for section of Highway 95

ITD responded in a document responding to popular questions that it is prioritizing the project through Sagle before expanding the bridge to first address safety concerns and mitigate local traffic. The bridge is being considered separately for possible replacement at the end of its useful life.

The bridge consists of two separate structures built side by side. To the east is the original bridge built in 1956, today used exclusively for pedestrians. The West Vehicle Bridge was built in 1981. Both bridges underwent repairs in 2021 and are expected to last 100 years from the original construction date.

When the bridge is eventually replaced and widened at the end of its useful life, ITD said it will result in a smoother transition for drivers from US 95 to the bridge.

Satellite renderings appear to show the highway expansion overlapping the properties of a warehouse, RV park, gas station and other businesses in Sagle.

McDaniel said ITD is still working out the details of the project and it is too early to know the exact needs of the right-of-way.

The department will share more information about the priority as the project progresses.

The project’s next step is an environmental reassessment to be completed in 2026. After that, financing can be secured, the project can be finalized and rights of way acquired before construction begins.

Depending on funding, the project could begin within five to 10 years, McDaniel said.

ITD will receive public comments on the project until October 31. Project details can be viewed on the ITD website.

James Hanlon’s reporting for The Spokesman-Review is funded in part by Report for America and members of the Spokane community. This story may be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper’s editor-in-chief.