SPOKANE, Wash. — The City of Spokane is looking at making changes to Grand Boulevard on the South Hill – potentially reducing the number of lanes.
The road currently includes two lanes traveling in each direction, with no divider between them. The city said in a post on its website that reconfiguring the street from 14th Avenue to 29th Avenue would make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
The city has proposed two solutions it believes will accomplish this.
The first option would involve reducing the street to three lanes, with one lane traveling in each direction and a center turn lane.
The other option would keep the road’s current four lanes – but one northbound lane would become a turn lane.
The city said the three-lane option offers the most significant safety benefits, with the possibility of reducing crashes by as much as 24%. The second option, which keeps the four lanes, could decrease crashes by 19%.
Additionally, the city would add safety measures to the crosswalk at 27th Avenue.
Linda Murphy is a Spokane resident who said she frequently walks her dog in the area. She said she’s never felt unsafe on the road, but she is open to changes.
“Slowing down traffic wouldn’t be a problem,” Murphy said. “It’s part of being a motorist and driving. One has to follow the rules, slow down when you’re supposed to.”
Mary Winkes, interim chair of the Manito/Cannon Hill Neighborhood Council, said the group has been pushing for changes to the road for years. She said she supports measures that would help reduce vehicles’ speed.
The city will host a public meeting Tuesday evening for residents to provide feedback. It will be held at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, located at 316 E. 24th Ave.
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