Council agrees to add bridge repair to 2025 TIP and backs application for state federal‑bridge funds for Sullivan‑Trent project

The Spokane Valley City Council signaled support to amend the 2025 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) to include an unexpected bridge repair and to seek grant funds for a larger interchange project.

Thorpe Road bridge and TIP amendment: Public works staff requested the addition of an emergent Thorpe Road bridge repair — estimated at approximately $500,000 — to the city’s TIP after staff identified structural maintenance needs beyond routine bridge maintenance. Adam Jackson, engineering manager, said the project is designed, budgeted and ready to bid, and asked council to allow staff to advertise and complete the work this summer. Council gave consensus to proceed with the TIP amendment and to return for a public hearing and future motion.

Sullivan‑Trent bridge grant application: Staff also asked for council consensus to apply for the Washington State Department of Transportation local/federal bridge program to fund an $18 million portion of the city’s Sullivan‑Trent interchange project. The total interchange project has a larger price tag; staff said they had isolated bridge‑eligible elements from the larger project scope to make an acceptable bridge grant application. Staff noted the application timeline is tight and requested support to submit the grant package. Council members asked clarifying questions about the parsing of costs and financing; staff said they would return with the application and associated documents.

What’s next: Staff will bring the formal TIP amendment back for public hearing and a motion at a future meeting and will proceed to submit the bridge grant application with council consensus.