SPOKANE, Wash. — One hundred years ago it was Front Avenue, but dirt gave way to pavement, and now Kirstin Davis with public works says it's time to think about the future.
“Yeah, it gets a lot of traffic,” she said. “We've kind of done all the maintenance we can on it before it's time to rebuild it."
Right now the city is in a planning study for a complete overhaul. A lot of work needs to be done under the surface.
"We actually have some of those original pipes servicing water and wastewater,” Davis said.
Other key changes could be reconfigured parking, lane reductions or even converting part of the street to two-way. Though other possible changes get the gears turning for Lauren Pangborn.
“There is a lot to be desired down here for sure,” the avid cyclist said of the street near Riverfront Park. “You get a lot of high speeds."
The revamp will likely include several safety updates for walkers and bikers like protected bike lanes.
“It really changes a lot of things for pedestrians,” Pangborn said. “It widens sidewalks, it creates bulb-outs that allow for what we call daylighting which allows drivers to see pedestrians a lot better."
As vice chair of the city’s bicycle advisory board, she saw some of the preliminary drafts and believes the plan is still too vehicle-focused.
She says some extra features could drive more people to the park and nearby businesses.
“Almost like a little living out here, places with seating and plants that would really encourage pedestrians, people on bikes to sit and stay,” she said.
She’d also like to see scrambles or walk-all-ways for pedestrians, where walk lights trigger simultaneously, allowing people to cross diagonally.
Construction isn’t expected to start until at least 2026, with no estimate on cost or a funding source, but now is the time to have your ideas heard for the future of this scenic street. The city has provided an online survey for public feedback.
“So really what would be the importance to you? How do you use this area? Is it just a pass-through for you or do you like to come down, park, access the beautiful park?" Davis said.
