Overture overpass

And just when you were wondering where Clay Larkin had wandered off to in his golden years, having retired in January as Post Falls mayor, there he was, right on the front page of Wednesday's Press. And for very good reason.

One of his big, beautiful babies had just been born.

Ground was broken at last on the Greensferry overpass. When shovel met dirt, that first minute of action ended 20 years of talk.

While he certainly doesn't deserve all the credit for one of the most important infrastructure improvements in Post Falls' history, the former mayor's years of persistence certainly paid off.

"Clay Larkin was laser-eyed on that project," said Jeff Selle. Selle wasn't speaking as a reporter; he was speaking as the former government affairs specialist for Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization, a role he filled for six years. From that position he had an insider's view of the long, hard debate.

"That overpass wouldn't have happened without Clay's persistence," Selle said.

In what ultimately became a true community project, powered by revenue from taxpayers via Post Falls' urban renewal agency, the Greensferry overpass will alleviate the worst traffic conundrum in Kootenai County. It will also provide a vital north-south connection on the easternmost side of town.

When it's completed, there will be two lanes in each direction, as well as bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides. Traffic mobility and emergency response time between the business districts and residential areas north and south of the interstate will all be significantly improved.

We applaud all of those who were relentless in ensuring the overpass came to pass. Generations of motorists will be indebted to you.