SPOKANE, Wash. — The plan to widen Argonne Road and add a center turn lane through Millwood is causing concern among local residents and business owners.
Argonne Road, a key arterial with two lanes in each direction, is set for a major widening project, which will include a new center turn lane through the heart of Millwood.
Though the project may not be immediately noticeable to drivers—apart from neon yellow signs taped to store windows—it’s a topic of concern for many who live and work in Millwood.
The widening will take place on the opposite side of the street, where trees currently line the road, and will include a new path for pedestrians.
Business owner Greg Mott, who’s owned The Corner Door for 32 years, is particularly worried.
“There are two major traffic issues on Argonne,” Mott explains. “First, cars aren’t going the posted 30 miles per hour; they’re averaging 40-45. The second issue is traffic cutting through the neighborhoods.”
Despite these concerns, some in Millwood see potential benefits in the project.
Local business owner Amanda Guinn believes the addition of a turn lane could help with the congestion on Argonne.
“As a local and as a business owner in the area, you know it’s not fun having so much traffic on Argonne. It’s a congested road, everybody knows that I think everyone avoids Argonne at all costs,” said Guinn.
However, Mott said the project benefits commuters passing through Millwood rather than those who live there. “The number one priority in Millwood should be pedestrians, and it’s not,” said Mott.
Mott does acknowledge some positive aspects of the plan, such as the new trail and wider sidewalks from Liberty to the river, but he still fears the overall result will be more traffic in the area.
The debate continues as Millwood residents weigh the potential pros and cons of the Argonne Road expansion.
Construction is slated to begin in Spring 2025.
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