SANDPOINT - Rumors that the Sand Creek Byway is sinking are bunk, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

"I don't know how these rumors get started, but that one's not true," said Barbara Babic, ITD's Panhandle region spokeswoman.

The rumor has been circulating as anticipation for the opening of the U.S. Highway 95 bypass continues to mount.

Ken Sorensen, ITD's resident engineer, predicted this fall that traffic could start using the new highway alignment by year's end. But the prediction will not come to pass.

"They really tried very hard - they being the contractor (Parsons RCI) - to get it to the point where it could open, but there was safety items that need to be put in place before that road can open," said Babic, referring to guardrail and signage.

Further complicating the opening is the construction of a modular pedestrian structure at the east end of Cedar Street Bridge. Babic said a crane will be placed on the new alignment to hoist the modules into place, which would have blocked traffic.

Parsons and ITD forecast the byway will be open by late spring or early summer, which would still be ahead of the project schedule.

"The official completion date is still November 2012," said Babic.

Construction on the $98 million project began in 2008.

The project has 65 retaining walls, which were pre-loaded and allowed to sit for months. More than 2,460 feet of soil-consolidating wick drains were installed to hasten the settlement process.