Road project builds toward construction's start

by Cameron Rasmusson Staff Writer
| March 11, 2012 7:00 AM

SANDPOINT — Those interested in the Sandpoint-to-Kootenai Cutoff project will find plenty of food for thought — along with food for the belly — at an upcoming meeting.

The Ponderay Community Development Council will host both the contractor and construction engineers involved in the project that will widen U.S. 95 into a four-lane highway divided down the middle by a median. Set for this Thursday at 11:30 p.m., the meeting will take place in a Bonner Mall room just east of Sayer Jewelers. Pend Oreille Pasta will serve lunch, which will run $15. Individuals can attend without eating lunch for an entry fee of $5.

At the meeting, contractor Apollo, Inc. and construction engineer HMH Engineering will explain their schedule for the project and give more details about its progress.

“This is going to be a very special PCDC meeting,” PCDC Vice President Susan Kiebert said.

Kiebert said that although the project is a necessary one, it will nevertheless have an impact on the businesses around the area. That’s why she and others involved in the project have been meeting with business owners to explain precisely how the construction will affect them.

In addition, once the work on U.S. 95 begins, representatives of the construction project will hold weekly meetings updating residents on their progress.

According to Kiebert, the meetings so far have gone very smoothly, adding that the owners are understanding of the need for the road widening are generally optimistic after learning about the construction’s specifics.

“If businesses know what to expect, they’re going to be fine,” Kiebert said. “That’s why public involvement is so important.”

That’s also why the upcoming PCDC meeting is also important. Representatives of Apollo, Inc. and HMH Engineering will outline which areas will be affected and when they will be affected. That knowledge could be key in preparing for the construction, which will likely begin this spring.

“We want anyone interested in this construction project to show up,” Kiebert said.