Construction ramps up on U.S. 95 near Sandpoint
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 9 months AGO
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | April 18, 2022 1:00 AM
SAGLE — Better access and improved safety.
Bottom line, those are the goals behind an intersection improvement project at U.S. 95 and Lakeshore Drive, which began last year and will hit full stride this summer.
Area residents will get a chance to get an up-close look at the project at an open house this week being hosting by the Idaho Transportation Department.
The open house will be held Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Northern Lights building, 421 Chevy St., in Sagle. Information about the project’s timeline, construction impacts and plans for the U.S. 95 corridor will be provided. The project team will be available to answer questions.
"The improvements on Highway 95 at the Lakeshore Drive, Bottle Bay, and Sagle Road intersections coming this summer will provide better highway access and safety," said Sen. Jim Woodward, who helped shepherd the project through the Legislature.
The project's first phase started in fall 2021, building an acceleration lane for drivers onto the highway from Lakeshore Drive. Last week, crews started installing signs in the area and plan to finish striping as soon as weather allows. ITD crews need two days of good weather to do the striping; however, two-way traffic will be maintained while the crews work during during the day, ITD Project Manager Phil Stout said.
Construction for the project's second phase will likely start in August, with the addition of a median U-turn on U.S. 95 as an alternative for drivers wanting to turn left from Lakeshore Drive, ITD officials said. Next spring, a four-way signal will be installed at the U.S. 95 and Sagle Road intersection with a detour in place for Sagle Road east of the intersection.
ITD is considering providing an acceleration lane for traffic turning northbound onto the highway from Bottle Bay Road, as well as a deceleration lane for northbound traffic turning onto Bottle Bay Road from U.S. 95. Another option includes constructing a median U-turn for Bottle Bay. These changes, unlike the first two phases, do not have funding for construction at this time, ITD officials said.
Woodward said he knows there will be temporary disruptions and challenges that come with rebuilding a section of road as busy as U.S. 95.
Info: itdprojects.org/us95lakeshoredrive
MORE LOCAL-NEWS STORIES
ARTICLES BY CAROLINE LOBSINGER
IPUC approves Stoneridge water rate increase
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission recently announced that it would allow a northern Idaho water utility to increase the rates it charges customers to provide water service. While CDS Stoneridge Utilities initially asked for a rate increase that averaged 261 percent, the commission approved a general rate increase of 18.6 percent. The utility serves approximately 384 residential and commercial customers in the Blanchard area.
WBCSD elects board leaders
West Bonner County School District's new board chair and vice chair are familiar faces in new roles after trustees voted to install Ann Yount in the top post and Margaret Hall as vice chair. Hall was previously the chair and Yount was the vice chair of the board prior to the vote at Wednesday's annual meeting.
Panida exploring lobby renovations
Potential scenarios include everything from keeping the lobby as is with no changes, moving the concessions to the adjacent retail space, using the retail space for a bar, integrating the lobby space into the Little Theater and using the foyer area to expand the lobby.