Sandpoint deserves a proper bypass

The Sand Creek Byway was originally proposed more than 50 years ago. Since the 1950s, area transportation needs, highway safety standards and environmental laws have changed dramatically. In addition, Sandpoint has transitioned to a tourism-based economy. The Sand Creek Byway is an outdated design that no longer meets area transportation requirements or environmental regulations.

It is time that elected officials (including Mayor Ray Miller and Rep. George Eskridge) put aside personal agendas and use their influence to do what is right for Sandpoint.

They must insist that ITD produce a bypass design that meets the following basic criteria:

1. Expandable to four lanes consistent with future plans for Highway 95.

2. Bypasses both Highway 95 and Highway 2 traffic.

3. Minimizes environmental impact and

4. Routes traffic around the town in order to support Sandpoint's long-term growth.

The Sand Creek Byway meets none of these criteria. There are, however, several westside bypass options following existing utility and railroad right-of-way corridors that would easily meet all of these criteria. ITD has never properly evaluated these alternatives.

The Sand Creek Byway puts a highway right through the heart of Sandpoint rather than routing traffic around the town and, in the process, does irreparable damage to over two miles of scenic Sand Creek waterfront.

Rather than building a monolithic concrete highway structure through the center of downtown, ITD must develop a design conforming to the above criteria. Small towns all across America have properly designed bypass highways. Sandpoint deserves nothing less.

THOM NELSON

Sandpoint