Sand Creek Byway set to open July 27

SANDPOINT — The wait will soon be over.

The Idaho Transportation Department confirmed plans to open the Sand Creek Byway by the end of next week.

“We’re shooting for the 27th,” said Ken Sorensen, engineer for the Sandpoint residency.

Although the long-awaited U.S. Highway 95 rerouting project remains ahead of its scheduled completion date in November, impatience for the opening of the bypass abounds in the community.

The perceived delays in the project opening has generated countless rumors about why traffic hasn’t been turned loose on the new alignment yet. One of the more contemporary rumors ridiculously held that the city of Sandpoint prohibited the opening during Fourth of July to ensure tourist traffic during the holiday.

Expectations were high that the project would be open this spring, but it was pushed back so cracks caused by settling could be addressed.

A reinforced soil embankment settled more than anticipated, leading to cracks in an approach slab to the project’s mainline bridge over Sand Creek.

Parsons have been going over lengthy punch lists covering aspects various aspects of the project, such as the pedestrian structure at the east end of Cedar Street Bridge, landscaping irrigation and other items.

Sorensen was roundly praised by Idaho officials at a June 29 dedication ceremony, but he said the accolades should go to his staff at the Sandpoint residency and Parsons’ staff.

Sorensen added that former Sandpoint mayors Ray Miller and Gretchen Hellar also deserve praise. The former has been a longtime project supporter, while the latter was not but embraced the reality that the project was going to be built.

“She bent over backwards to help once she realized that the project was here,” said Sorensen, who was grateful for the city’s permission to use Bridge Street during construction.

Sandpoint Police Chief Mark Lockwood, Ponderay Police Chief Mike Hutter and Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler helped patrol the project to curb incursions into the construction zone.

“They have been an incredible partner,” Sorensen.