Hazardous traffic curve needs actions not another master plan

The First Avenue and West Superior Curve intersection has become more hazardous as drivers seek alternatives to the city of Sandpoint’s downtown congestion.

As a result of trying to get recognition of this issue and others I have become an active user of Engage Sandpoint. I encourage everyone in Sandpoint to become an active user to let your views on issues be heard. My first try at bringing the hazards of First Avenue and Superior to Engage Sandpoint (No. 6451962) was closed with response, “We are eager to get this resolved as well and are happy to report that the much needed data is in hand and we are moving forward with the planning effort. I am closing this request with the understanding that the issue is not resolved but that solutions are actively being developed. Thanks again for the feedback! It truly helps us identify the priorities.”

Included in the Engage Sandpoint was a link — stories.opengov.com/sandpointid/published/TgbMdsHxg — to the city of Sandpoint’s Multimodal Transportation plan with timeline. The timeline charts the budget process during 2020. This would indicate possible funding in 2021 for the multimodal transportation plan without commitment to resolving First and West Superior curve. As a result of city of Sandpoint changing downtown traffic patterns, South Sandpoint has become the new traffic pass-through route. These issues need to be addressed now, not in two or three years. I cannot find any specific reference to addressing this intersection and South Sandpoint traffic in the master plan. If there are details on resolution to hazards of First and West Superior curve then I appreciate someone highlighting where this is a priority and when action is to be taken

When an Engage Sandpoint issue is “closed” then no further comments are allowed. Responding to the city of Sandpoint’s closing of the request, a new issue is now open (No. 6723612). This major Sandpoint traffic intersection impacts us all. Sign up on Engage Sandpoint and share your comments to move the city of Sandpoint to bring resolution now to First and West Superior curve.

JIM HUTTEN

Sandpoint