SANDPOINT — Starting on Sept. 3, the city will make significant changes to a section of roadway in south Sandpoint. 

In an effort to improve traffic flow, Sandpoint will move the stoplights at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Church Street one block south.

Once construction is complete at the end of November, the junction of Fifth Avenue and Pine Street will be controlled by stoplights and the segment of Pine Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues will become a two-way road. 

While the project is taking place, Pine Street will be closed between Fourth and Fifth avenues. 

The move is the latest in a series of changes to the area. In 2015, the Idaho Transportation Department agreed to reconfigure U.S. 2 on Fifth Avenue and transferred ownership of several streets, including Pine, to Sandpoint. 

As a result of the reconfiguration, Fifth Avenue was converted to a two-way street and a stoplight was installed at Fifth and Church. 

Sandpoint officials have stated that after the change was made, area residents expressed dissatisfaction with traffic flow in the area. 

In addition to reducing congestion, Sandpoint plans to make improvements to pedestrian safety in the area. 

A set of light-up signs will be installed by the crosswalks at Fifth and Church; the intersection will be regulated by two stop signs controlling drivers crossing Fifth after the removal of the stoplights. 

Street parking on Pine Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues will be eliminated as part of the project. The city also plans to remove one tree and delete Pine from Sandpoint’s truck route. 

The project will be funded by impact fees charged to property developers in the city. To save money, most of the stoplight equipment will be reused when it is moved. 

Work will take place Monday-Friday; night work will occur on some days with notice for area residents. 

Questions can be directed to Sandpoint at 208-946-2087. 

    The project aims to reduce congestion that has persisted at intersections like Fifth and Church since the city implemented the existing configuration in 2017.
  

    Once construction is complete in late November, the section of Pine Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues will become a two-way road.