City Council outlines 15 new infrastructure projects set for 2026 construction

The Spokane City Plan Commission Workshop held on April 9, 2025, focused on the upcoming street program for 2026, highlighting a significant increase in new projects and improvements aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and infrastructure.

During the meeting, officials outlined that 15 new projects are set to be included in the program, marking the highest number of new projects in recent years. Seven of these projects are grant-funded, while the remaining eight are either partially funded or awaiting full funding. The projects range from high-visibility crosswalks to sidewalk improvements and traffic signal installations.

One of the key projects discussed is the high-visibility crosswalk initiative, which aims to replace existing crosswalks with more visible designs to improve pedestrian safety. This project is funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and is expected to cost approximately $1.7 million, with construction anticipated in 2026.

Another notable project is the Driscoll Boulevard sidewalk project, which will complete the pedestrian infrastructure along Driscoll from Garland to Wellesley. This project, also grant-funded, has a total cost of around $1.7 million and is expected to begin construction in either 2026 or 2027.

The Spokane School Walk Routes project will enhance safety around five schools with improvements such as ADA ramps and sidewalk infill, costing about $2 million, with $1.6 million coming from grants.

Additionally, the Assembly and Wellesley intersection will see significant upgrades, including a new traffic signal and enhanced pedestrian crossings, with a total project cost of approximately $2.3 million, slated for 2027 construction.

The workshop also addressed the importance of complying with state law, which necessitates early planning and discussions for the upcoming projects. The city aims to ensure that all projects are adequately funded and aligned with safety and accessibility goals.

Overall, the Spokane City Plan Commission's workshop underscored a proactive approach to urban planning, focusing on improving transportation safety and infrastructure for residents. The next steps involve finalizing project details and securing necessary funding as the city moves forward with its ambitious plans for 2026.