Opening turns into impromptu parade

SANDPOINT — The southern end of town turned into the scene of an impromptu parade 8:30 a.m. Friday when cars started moving across the newly-opened Sand Creek Byway.

As the first wave of cars and trucks made moved across the roadway, joggers, bikers and dog-watchers stopped to watch and cheer. Kayakers and other non-motorized watercraft floated underneath, taking pictures of the proceedings. Happiest of all were the motorists themselves, who waved and honked as they passed onto the new structure.

The honking proved to be a popular expression on all areas of the byway throughout the day.

“Driving on it for the first time was a great experience,” local business owner Peter Mico said. “We didn’t even pay attention to how long it took — we were too busy honking.”

Shortly after the opening, downtown shop owners were eager to see the impact on local traffic. By 9:30 a.m., some store owners were already observing some effects. Artist and musician Scott Kirby was impressed with the results.

“For (downtown traffic) to be this low at 9:30 in the morning is basically unheard of,” he said.

Other business owners were impressed by the increased sense of stillness in the downtown core and hoped the lack of large trucks would bring more foot traffic into the area. Similarly, individuals with residences near the structure said the noise level was not nearly as bad as they feared.

Many residents were eager to try out the new foot and bike paths along with the highway itself. With the pathway complex ready for use, a back entrance to the Cedar Street Bridge is now unbarred after years of closure, providing another means to access locations like the Sandpoint Train Depot and City Beach.   

For Cocolalla resident Phil Poutre, the byway is great addition precisely because it eases the trip to Ponderay. He said the businesses and events within Sandpoint are generally not of interest to him, and a scenic, easy route to Ponderay is a major convenience.

“There will still be necessary supply and repair-type business that will require me to come into the city — and of course the hospital, doctors, and county offices as well — but due to the byway things just got about 50 percent better for me,” he said.

Associates of Parsons Construction are finally able to see the real fruits of their labors after years of hard work. For cost engineer Ryan Alsup, who has been involved with the project from beginning to end and whose children were born throughout its duration, the byway opening closes a major professional chapter in his life.

“It’s a great sense of accomplishment,” he said. “This is a project that provides an immediate impact to the community. The craftsmanship is second to none, and it shows.”

However, not everyone was happy about the byway opening. With the project complete, Alsup and his family are moving to Puyallup, Wash., an outcome that disappoints his nine-year-old daughter, Sadie.

“I just love it here,” she said. “The town is beautiful and the byway is beautiful.”