SPOKANE, Wash. – Local drivers are rejoicing as Bigelow Gulch Road is officially open after months of delays and closures. The completion of the final phase marks a significant milestone in a project that has spanned nearly 30 years, greatly easing commutes for many Spokane County residents.
The road stretches eight miles, connecting East Valley High School to Hillyard, and is expected to enhance access to North Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Interstate 90, with future connections to the North-South Freeway.
The project, initiated in 1997, aimed to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety in the area. Over the years, Spokane County has undertaken multiple phases to widen, straighten, and enhance the roadway.
“The land acquisition, the construction, the materials, the workforce, supply chain issues during the pandemic. All of these things have added to the complexity and the length of the project,” said Spokane County Commissioner Josh Kerns, District 3.
The total cost of the project reached nearly $75 million, with funding sourced from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, the Washington State Department of Transportation, and the County Road Administration Board.
To commemorate the completion, the county is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony today. The Board of County Commissioners will be joined by Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers to celebrate this achievement, marking a significant step forward for local infrastructure and transportation.
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