Curing a traffic headache

AIRWAY HEIGHTS — A traffic issue that has been on the city’s checklist for years is getting closer to completion. The city awarded a contract to Power City Electric that will add a second southbound left turn lane on the intersection between Hayford and US-2. Power City Electric, a Spokane-based contractor, was awarded the low bid of $443,609.30.

This project hopes to solve the backup issues the intersection has been experiencing. Due to the high volume of traffic, the level of service for the intersection is decreasing. This comes into play especially when trying to take a left onto State Route 2 while heading south on Hayford. The substantial backup from that turn often clogs up the intersection.

The issue of the intersection has been on the city’s improvement plan for years, according to Public Works Director Kevin Anderson. Now they have the funds to award the contract and begin construction.

“Typically, after you award a contract, it takes a good solid month to get the contractor under contract,” Anderson said. “Assuming everything goes according to that plan, I’m anticipating construction will occur primarily in September, maybe some of August.”

There will be some give and take when it comes to this project. In order to add the new turn lane, some previously existing turning movements will be prohibited. Examples include taking a left out of east side driveways or taking a left into places like the Numerica Credit Union while heading north on Hayford.

“In some ways it makes it less convenient, but in other ways – and more importantly – it makes the area much safer because you’re not trying to do something that’s extraordinarily difficult,” Anderson said. “At some times of the day those movements are near impossible. By restricting them, we then make those intersections safer.”

The new turn lane will be finished sometime this year.

Riley Kankelberg can be reached at riley@cheneyfreepress.com.