Spokane International Airport (SIA) held an open house Oct. 22 to discuss a recent traffic study and possible improvements for the Spotted Road intersections with inbound and outbound Airport Drive. The intersections provide access for both freight and passengers to and from the airport and the Airport Business Park.
SIA and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) secured funding to perform the study and determine appropriate improvements to provide safe and efficient access into the airport and surrounding areas.
Lisa L. Corcoran, SIA’s project manager of Planning and Engineering Department, explained that there were several accidents at both intersections over the years. Corcoran said the airport investigated the accidents.
According to Corcoran, the height of traffic on Spotted Road and Airport Drive is from noon – 1 p.m. during the day and 10 – 11 p.m. in the evening. From 2002-08, there were 41 accidents between both intersections. After the investigation, the SIA installed lighted stop signs, flashing beacons and rumble strips to prevent accidents. After safety installations were completed accidents decreased to 27 from 2009-12.
Corcoran said the SIA is studying Spotted Road and Airport Drive for additional safety capacity and improvements for short- and long-term needs.
“The improvements are working and now it’s time to see where we can go,” Corcoran said. “There will always be some areas where we can improve. Other improvements in the region will influence traffic patterns in the area. The Airport Master Plan will also be a part of the current effort.”
One of the proposed improvements is a roundabout at Airport Drive and an extension of 21st Avenue at Spotted Road. Mark Napier, of JUB Engineers Inc., explained that the 21st Avenue extension would be an interchange for both intersections.
“It is a more traditional approach, but it is more costly than the other options,” Napier said.
Other recommendations include a partial double roundabout, a partial cloverleaf interchange and a continuous green T intersection and overpass for Spotted Road and the Airport Drive inbound lane.
Napier explained that staff meets with local agencies, businesses and community members to get input. He said there will be a third meeting to narrow the options. As far as costs are concerned, Napier said the engineers have not gotten to that point.
“If we have the ability to get FAA and road funding we’ll do it,” Napier said.
Juan Contreras, who owns Parking Express on Spotted Road, came to the open house to see what kind of improvements the SIA can make to facilitate the road. Contreras said he saw accidents there until the SIA implemented their current improvements.
Public comments can be directed to bk@langdongroupic.com or by phone at (800) 252-8929.
The comment period lasts until Nov. 5.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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