SPOKANE, Wash. – Grand Boulevard in Spokane is set to undergo lane reductions that have stirred mixed reactions within the community.
The Spokane Transportation Commission has unanimously voted to reduce the road from four lanes to three, prompting concerns about potential traffic hazards. “You’re going to do nothing but create a traffic hazard. I implore you, keep it 4 lanes,” one community member said during a commission meeting.
Another resident expressed opposition, stating, “I’m opposed to any change in the lane configuration on Grand.”
Despite these concerns, Jon Snyder, director of transportation sustainability, emphasized that significant time, effort and community engagement informed the commission’s decision. “Whenever we do repaving projects on our major materials, we look at our plans. We look at community feedback, and we look at opportunities to increase safety,” Snyder said.
Snyder highlighted pedestrian safety as a key factor in the decision. “Sometimes on four lane roads, you see one car stop for you but in the next lane the other car doesn’t see you and they don’t stop. That can be very dangerous for people walking,” he said.
With Manito Park nearby, Snyder believes the change is necessary. “Since Manito Park is such an attractant for young families and kids, we want to be extra safe for our Manito.”
The project aims to reduce crashes by 24%, according to Snyder. However, some community members fear it will worsen traffic, drawing comparisons to previous lane reduction projects like Monroe.
Snyder acknowledged the public’s concerns and stressed the importance of transparency. “In the past, we have not had that level of public transparency. A lot of times we’ve just done an open house and then made a decision and came out and built it,” he said.
He added that the transportation commission provides an avenue for public involvement. “With the transportation commission it allows another step for the public to get involved and make their voice heard in situations like this,” Snyder said.
The upcoming changes to Grand Boulevard continue to be a topic of discussion in Spokane.
There isn’t a timeline but Spokane will likely reduce the lanes and paint stripes next year.
