SANDPOINT — The second phase of the project to improve pedestrian access on Division Avenue near Sandpoint High School has begun and is set to last until August, Sandpoint officials said. 

Division Avenue is set to remain open throughout construction, but areas of Superior, Lake and Pine streets near Division will be closed. The project is set to bring a new 6-foot sidewalk on the east side of Division Avenue, along with a new planter strip and a wider bike lane. 

The first phase of the project was completed in 2023, providing a safer pedestrian route for residents to reach the schools. This phase is primarily funded by a $250,000 grant from the Children Pedestrian Safety Program, alongside a $50,000 match from the city, which was approved in February 2025. 

“Our goals are the same as they were in phase one,” Public Works Director Holly Ellis said at the April 1 City Council meeting. “We're continuing north, starting from Superior to Pine again, to improve pedestrian access, especially to schools, that can be destinations, and it'll provide green space and traffic calming.” 

Despite maintaining the same goals, Ellis said the city is learning from the first phase when it comes to the planter beds. In 2023, the city attempted to have property owners select the trees to give them more ownership, but the program did not see success.  

Moving forward, Ellis said any trees planted in the beds would be owned by and taken care of by the city for the first three years. The city will also be using clover grass in the beds, which is lower maintenance and something that was well received by the council. 

According to the city’s website, planting in the beds will not take place until this fall. 

“That's about the time that those trees take root and can successfully grow on their own,” Ellis said. “So, we'll have, likely, a watering bag program to support the livelihood of these trees.” 

City officials said the construction hours for the project will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and asked drivers to use extra caution when traveling through the areas. Residents can get updates by visiting bit.ly/4ogBTgk.