Get on with constructing Sandpoint Byway

The latest stall presented by the Sandpoint Byway opponents is to drive or dig a tunnel from Superior St. to the east end of town — so let's see what that entails.

In order to meet the guidance for tunnels as found in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Design Guide, "the Green Book," the tunnel would be four lanes with a dividing median.

The minimum width would be 30-feet in each direction of travel. This would allow for a 24-foot traveled way, plus an additional three-feet on each side for a safety walkway/curb. The minimum height would be 14.5-feet with additional height recommended for future paving.

It is recommended that an additional 10-foot lane be provided for disabled vehicle parking.

The finished dimensions for the minimum two-way, four-lane tunnel would be a minimum 14.5-feet high by 60-feet wide plus additional excavation for the pavement structure, walls, ceiling plus the ventilation and drainage systems.

The tunnels would have to be lighted and the walls and ceiling finished with ceramic tile to increase the brightness level and uniformity of the lighting. Approach interchanges would be a necessity to accommodate local and through traffic for both Hwy. 95 as well as Hwy 2 West.

Oversized loads and hazardous cargos would still have to travel the city's streets since they would be restricted from entering the tunnel.

The project would require a full EIS to comply with federal law since part of the funding would come from the National Highway Trust Fund, "your gas tax at work."

One may ask why? There would be the disposal of 250,000 cubic yards of tunnel muck that may or may not be contaminated, for openers, and the impacts on the west side of Sand Creek.

Then there is the little matter of right-of-way. The present land owners along the route are not likely to give up their homes and businesses without a protracted legal battle, regardless of how noble the cause.

Finally, there is the question of how the Idaho Transportation Dept., so often portrayed by the Sandpoint Byway opponents as incompetent and inept, could suddenly be the highly skilled engineering group to oversee the design and construct of a complex tunnel project beneath the city of Sandpoint.

The time has come to get on with the Byway. We have heard all of he pros and cons, evaluated them, and now it's time to start construction.

RICHARD F. CREED, P.E.

Sagle