The city of Spokane Valley has started work on a traffic study to evaluate the possibility of an Interstate 90 overpass in the area between Argonne and Pines roads, particularly one that would extend University Road north in some manner, says project manager Inga Note.

The study area runs between the vicinity of Argonne Road to the west and Pines Road to the east, and between the vicinity of the Spokane River to the north and Broadway Avenue to the south. The Valley is considering up to four other locations for a possible overpass between Argonne and Pines roads, she says.

"University is just kind of a natural to look at because it is a bicycle corridor," Note says, adding that one crossing option being considered is a bicycle and pedestrian bridge. In addition to that and a traditional motor vehicle bridge, the Valley is considering an emergency vehicle-only overpass.

Depending on the outcome of the study, the overpass might be built over existing railway lines north of I-90, Note says. The study is expected to be completed by the end of the year, she says.

Spokane Valley held a public forum on April 17 to gain input from businesses and residents within the study area located on the south side of I-90.

"I heard what the neighborhood wants, which most of them don't want a vehicular bridge," Note says.

The Valley plans to solicit input from business owners within the area as well, because few business owners attended the meeting. She says residents also said they would like to see bicycle and pedestrian improvements made at Pines and Argonne roads and nonmotorized improvements made along Mission Avenue.

"We're also looking at what other improvements could be made to Argonne and Pines interchanges to improve bicycle mobility," Note says.

Note says a time and date for the next community meeting hasn't been determined, but that the meeting likely will cover different overpass concepts.

She says the city will hold between two and three additional community meetings before the study is complete.