City, ITD ponder 'no-construction' Curve alternative
<p>If city and Idaho Transportation Department officials choose not to pursue the U.S. 2 Curve, Fifth Avenue could potentially be used to divert highway traffic from the easternmost downtown streets. (Photo by CAMERON RASMUSSON)</p>
SANDPOINT — The future of transportation in town could rest on a Monday council meeting.
Council members will revisit a proposed memorandum of understanding with Idaho Transportation Department officials at a special session at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the City Hall council chambers. The meeting will likely determine the future of the U.S. 2 Curve extension project, which is on hold until ITD confirms city cooperation for the project.
“We’re discussing the alternatives and talking about if this is the right project at the right time at the right budget,” ITD spokesperson Damon Allen said.
Over the past few months, ITD and city officials found themselves with clear differences on the project. State transportation authorities favor a roadway built to provide easy travel for commercial vehicles and the highest traffic projections for the next 20 years. City officials, on the other hand, are concerned about the impact of a multi-lane highway on town connectivity and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Whether or not city officials will throw support behind the project is still an open question. City staff members, Mayor Marsha Ogilvie, Councilman Aaron Qualls and ITD representatives hashed out the issue at a Wednesday meeting designed to establish common ground before the June 3 meeting.
“I think this meeting helped establish the values for both sides and also offered ways we can meet in the middle,” Allen said.
Gary Toth, a transportation engineer and director of Project for Public Spaces, also attended the meeting. A longtime transportation professional with a history of leading discussions between local authorities and state transportation departments, he drew on his experience to help guide the conversation.
“Hopefully, today’s meeting will be the beginning of a richer dialogue,” Toth said. “I believe there are ways to accommodate both (the city and ITD’s) goals.”
According to Councilman Aaron Qualls, one possible alternative to the Curve that city and ITD officials discussed is a no-construction option using Fifth Avenue. By redirecting cars onto the street and changing its traffic flow, Qualls sees the option as a potential way to reclaim downtown streets without spending much money or displacing businesses.
“Everyone is still interested in getting the city its downtown streets back,” Qualls said.
However, no decisions are made as of yet. The council will use Monday’s meeting to make a determination on the direction forward.
“We’re hopeful we just keep moving ahead,” Allen said.