SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – The recent death of 20-year-old Eva Allen in a has sparked community concern about visibility at the crosswalk. Many residents are questioning whether there are enough streetlights in the area.
Spokane County representatives stated they maintain fewer than 10% of the streetlights on county roadways, primarily those at intersections with traffic signals or roundabouts. New streetlights are usually installed only if there is a funded road construction project in the area. If such a project exists, county engineers will assess the need for more lighting.
There are exceptions to the rule. If a location has a higher rate of nighttime crashes and signage does not resolve the issue, streetlights may be added. Additionally, streetlights could be considered at intersections with marked crosswalks.
If a location does not meet these criteria but a citizen or homeowners association is willing to cover ongoing fees, Spokane County will typically approve additional lighting.
As for price, Avista estimates that a 100-watt light would cost approximately $20 per month, but costs can vary. Spokane County refrains from quoting specific numbers due to potential price variables.
Following the incident, several businesses in the Fairwood community have expressed their willingness to fund some changes themselves. Spokane County encourages residents to organize and designate a group leader to communicate with the county commissioner’s office. Then ask for the next steps. This proactive approach could lead to the installation of new streetlights, though the process could take several months.
The county looks forward to hearing from concerned citizens and sees this as an opportunity for public participation.
