Council reviews Cedar Street reconstruction design, councilors press for traffic-calming and tree protections

The Sandpoint City Council reviewed a 60–75% design for Cedar Street reconstruction on Feb. 19 that would repave the corridor, add six-foot sidewalks on both sides, install a planter strip for stormwater and snow storage, replace an undersized water main and provide shared-lane markings (sharrows) for bicyclists.

Public-works staff said preliminary construction estimates were roughly $3.0 million while the city currently has about $1.9 million budgeted for the project. Staff proposed removing one block (Division to Monroe) from the scope to reduce costs and said they would complete more work on stormwater routing before finalizing design. "Our preliminary cost estimate came in around $3,000,000. We have $1,900,000," staff said.

The plan attempts to balance vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle needs in a constrained right-of-way. Staff noted city guidance requires pedestrian and bicycle accommodations on reconstructed corridors and that a 6-foot sidewalk on both sides is the city standard for collectors. "The sharrow is to remind drivers that bicyclists have the right of way," a staff member explained, adding sharrows are intended to keep bicyclists centered in the lane so drivers do not try to pass unsafely.

Why it matters: Cedar Street connects residential blocks with schools and is used by children and other pedestrians. Staff emphasized stormwater is a key technical challenge—routing new runoff without overburdening Division’s storm system may require either a Lincoln connection or a negotiated easement and possible detention on adjacent utility-owned land.

Councilors pressed for additional traffic-calming measures, narrower lane-width options, and more public engagement. Multiple councilors recommended a council workshop targeted at street-section standards before final design; staff agreed to a final-design open house this spring and additional outreach to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee and the Forestry Committee. Staff also said they will explore stormwater alternatives, including discussions with Avista about easement options.

Ending: The council did not take a final vote on Cedar Street’s design. Staff will refine the stormwater approach, analyze budget/scope trade-offs and schedule further council/committee review; staff said bids could be sought this spring if council approves final design and funding.