SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Spokane Valley’s largest-ever construction project will transform the Trent Avenue and Pines Road intersection starting this August.
The $48 million project will create a railroad underpass to keep traffic moving when trains pass through. It will also add a roundabout connecting Trent Avenue, Pines Road, and Empire Way.
“(An) overpass would definitely be awesome. Yeah. I get stopped by the train all the time,” said Quentin Mcqueen, who drives on Trent often.
The current railroad crossing causes significant traffic delays and safety concerns. Some drivers try to avoid train delays by cutting through nearby parking lots.
“You’ll have a train full of cars going through the parking lot and people are walking up to the door. There’s been several incidents where we’ve almost had people hit in our parking lot because they’re trying to fight the train,” said Marcie Bagby, manager of Stormin’ Normans.
The new roundabout will help businesses like Spokane Fence Company, whose customers currently struggle to turn left into their parking lot from Trent.
Pedestrians will benefit from new sidewalks and a trailhead connecting to the Centennial Trail.
While construction will cause temporary inconvenience, many believe the benefits will outweigh the disruptions.
“I think our sales are down a little bit. But I’m hoping eventually, once it’s all that, it’ll actually help the businesses around here,” Bagby said.
Mcqueen added, “Just like anyone stuck in construction, they’d rather keep moving.”
The City of Spokane Valley will be sending out informational cards to nearby businesses and homes about this project in the coming months. Road closures are expected during construction.
Some businesses have found interesting ways to adapt.
“They love watching it. Literally. I will have a bunch of construction guys just sit at the windows and they’re all talking about it,” Bagby noted.
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