I-90, U.S. 95 interchange design gets mixed reviews

When Jim Schramm drives through Coeur d’Alene, he tries to avoid the intersection of U.S. 95 and Appleway Avenue. 

Otherwise, it means he’ll likely be stopping for several minutes at traffic lights before reaching his destination, which he finds annoying. 

So when the Rathdrum man reviewed the proposed improvements for the Interstate 90, U.S. 95 interchange project during the Idaho Transportation Department’s open house Wednesday, he liked what he saw. 

“I think it’s a good idea,” he said. “There’s going to to be growing pains to get there, but it’s going to be a big improvement.” 

The one caveat, Schramm said, was the proposal to elevate U.S. 95 on a bridge that would take it over Appleway. He didn’t like drivers having to go to Haycraft Avenue and wind their way back to Appleway through parking lots, or cut over to Government Way.  

“That’s the only part of it I see as a real problem,” he said. 

Schramm was among a steady stream of visitors to the open house at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn to get public feedback on ITD's preferred design for a Single-Point Urban Interchange at the congested area. 

Throughout the room, there were posters with graphics, pictures and charts showing areas the project would impact. ITD staffers answered questions and explained aspects of the design. Many people sat at tables and wrote down their comments.

ITD narrowed it down to four designs, but only one met the goals of improving traffic flow, enhancing safety and meeting the needs of future traffic volumes that are expected to double by 2045, said Megan Jahns, ITD spokeswoman in Coeur d'Alene. 

Along with a bridge over Appleway, the design calls for ramp improvements at Fourth Street; U.S. 95 widening from Emma Avenue to Bosanko; and several intersection improvements.

ITD said the intersection at U.S. 95 and Appleway is prone to crashes.

“This is the biggest concern we have in North Idaho,” Jahns said. 

While construction costs are estimated at $90 to $100 million, there is no money designated for the work, nor is there a timeline for it.

Jennifer Mika, a district manager for Carl’s Jr., said the Appleway business would be hurt if traffic is prevented from turning onto the corridor from U.S. 95. 

She noted the Exxon station at the southeast corner of Appleway and U.S. 95 would have to be shut down to make way for the project. 

“What are the benefits of taking out businesses and impacting others?” Mika said. “These people have invested their livelihoods here. Carl’s Jr. is how I take care of my family.” 

She said passersby on Interstate 90 would have a more difficult time finding Carl’s Jr. and likely go elsewhere because it would be easier. 

“Why can’t we work with what’s there and improve it?” Mika said. “I’m not a city planner, but why do we need to cut out local businesses?"

Scott Hough of Coeur d’Alene said he, too, was concerned about how the change in traffic flow with a bridge would affect Appleway businesses. 

“Like with anything, when it’s first done, it’s going to be a pain because people aren’t used to it,” Hough said. “But over time, everyone’s minds will settle down and they’ll be able to figure it out.” 

He supported the design and said something has to be done about traffic as people will keep moving here. 

“It’s needed,” Hough said. “There's nothing I can do to stop the growth.” 

Coeur d’Alene Councilor Dan Gookin said he preferred the design that included a Tight Diamond Interchange with flyover directional ramps. That would keep the intersection at U.S. 95 and Appleway. 

That design was the most expensive at an estimated $115 to $125 million. 

"But I think it would be the least disruptive to business,” Gookin said. “I’d like to keep the businesses open on Appleway.”  

Jahns said ITD’s concerns with the flyover ramp is they are expensive, and what happens with the snow that piles up on it on the winter.

“You can’t just shove that show off the ramp onto traffic below,” she said. 

Jahns agreed Appleway businesses will be impacted by the project, but she also said, “If we do nothing, their businesses are going to be hurt by congestion."

From here, ITD will review public comments and see if they can be incorporated into the design. If the preferred design is rejected by a majority of the public, ITD may go back to the drawing board.

Todd Feusier, director of Coeur d’Alene’s Streets and Engineering Department, said the project is necessary. 

“But I would agree it’s going to be painful to get there,” he said. 

Feusier said he reviewed the four final options. 

“I feel the option they’ve landed on is the most effective,” he said. 

    Scott Hough listens to a speaker during the Idaho Transportation Department's open house on the I-90, U.S. 95 Interchange design Wednesday at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn.