SPOKANE, Wash. – With Hoopfest coming up this weekend, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) is warning drivers about road closures and increased traffic safety measures for the tournament.
According to WSP, the event will impact traffic on I-90, U.S. Highway 2, Highway 195, and U.S. Highway 395 (Division Street) in the downtown Spokane corridor. Travelers are advised to allow extra time and expect longer-than-usual delays entering and exiting the downtown area. Several downtown streets will be closed for the event.
WSP said it is working with the Spokane Police Department, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and Spokane Valley Police Department to increase traffic safety patrols over the weekend. Troopers said WSP aviation units will assist ground patrols in identifying speeding and collision-causing violations. Aircraft used at night are equipped with FLIR technology to help detect and apprehend impaired drivers.
Additionally, WSP said that they will deploy more motorcycle troopers along the I-90 corridor during the enforcement period. The Washington State Patrol Mobile Impaired Driving Unit (MIDU) will be stationed at the Spokane Convention Center to process potentially impaired drivers. Extra officers will also be present throughout the greater Spokane area for the duration of the weekend.
