SPOKANE, Wash. — One of Spokane’s busiest roads could soon become more pedestrian and biker-friendly.
The Washington State Department of Transportation has plans to add a bike lane on Division Street that would start at Country Homes Boulevard and go north to Farwell Road.
Some local businesses said they are excited about the idea.
“I think it’s going to be more people-friendly and an all-around good thing,” said Shirley Sundstrom who works at Fantastic Sams on Division.
She said customers often complain about not being able to get to their shop.
“They have trouble getting here. They have trouble with the light and the traffic,” said Sundstrom.
The project is part of WSDOT’s Complete Streets initiative, a requirement set by the Washington legislature for any state-funded projects to design transportation systems that are safe and inclusive.
The Division Street project will include a bike path that is separated from the road by a curb, flashing lights above pedestrian crosswalks and protected intersections.
“It really helps give each mode their spaces and helps, especially, bikes go through the intersections in a more predictable and protected fashion,” said Shea Suski, Principle Multimodal Planner.
Sundstrom said making the streets safer should be top priority, because it benefits everyone.
“Getting the kids to and from schools safely, and getting customers that want to come down here, it’s going to be a lot easier to access with the traffic,” she said.
The project is still in the planning phase, with the design expected to be completed by July.
Until then, the Department of Transportation is accepting feedback and suggestions from the community. You can share your thoughts at wsdot.wa.gov.
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