Momentum builds behind U.S. 95 fix

PONDERAY — Momentum is gathering behind a push to reconstruct U.S. Highway 95 from Sandpoint through Ponderay, a project which has been pending for 24 years.

“The first and foremost thing, obviously, is the safety issue,” said Ponderay Mayor Carol Kunzeman. “That particular little stretch of road has so many people going down it.”

The two-lane section of highway has fallen into such disrepair that the center turn lane is now part of the designated lane of travel for southbound motorists. The stretch of highway also lacks even the most rudimentary pedestrian facilities, such as crossing signals and crosswalks.

Since the project was conceived in 1987, the state has spent approximately $8.3 million acquiring right of way and doing design and environmental work, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

The project serves as the northernmost leg of the broader Sandpoint North & South project, which includes the Sand Creek Byway.

The other two segments include a widened Long Bridge and highway reconstruction from the bridge through Sagle.

The Ponderay project would widen the highway to four lanes and put a traffic signal at Bonner Mall Way. There would also be pedestrian accommodations.

Construction funding for the reconstruction through Ponderay remains elusive. The same problem vexes the Long Bridge and highway widening through Sagle.

Kunzeman is not deterred, however.

“I do believe that there is money that they could use to finish that road,” she said.

Officials from the cities of Dover, Sandpoint, Kootenai, in addition to Bonner County and business officials are being asked to lend their voices to the choir.

Project backers are scheduled to make a presentation to the Idaho Transportation Board when it meets in Lewiston next month.

Barbara Babic, ITD’s District 1 spokeswoman, could not be reached for comment on Monday.

The project once held a firm place on ITD’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. As a result, significant roadway improvements have been deferred in anticipation of reconstruction.

“The maintenance people have done a fabulous job trying to keep it going. It’s not for lack of trying,” said Kunzeman.

A general increase in traffic on U.S. 95, in addition to increased development in Ponderay have added to the strain on the route. Kunzeman is now concerned the crumbling roadway will stifle further business development.

“How are we going to bring more businesses in if the road looks that bad and is that dangerous?” she said.

But safety is the most pressing concern to Kunzeman.

“One of these days, somebody is going to get hit — or worse,” she said.