Spokane County approves multiple traffic-code changes after farmer concerns about exemptions

The Spokane County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 4 adopted a package of traffic-code changes aimed at improving safety and preserving thin-surfaced county roads.

The board unanimously approved a restriction prohibiting trucks over 16,000 pounds on a segment of Betts Road, citing a chip-seal surface that is not built for heavy loads. County staff presented maps showing alternate truck routes into Cheney and Jensen Road, and recommended the limit to protect the roadway.

During the public hearing, local agricultural operators asked for exemptions for tractors, slow-moving farm equipment and school buses that routinely use Betts Road. Larry Wilcox, who said his family owns property adjacent to the road, requested a seasonal, size-limited agricultural exemption and urged consideration of a 25 mph speed limit to protect the roadway and reduce liability exposure. An agricultural operator said tractors often impose less ground pressure than passenger cars and described routine farm and school-bus movements on the route.

County staff told commissioners that property owners immediately adjacent to a restricted segment are considered "local access" and are exempt; staff also said the county routinely issues trip permits and seasonal permits and is willing to work with residents to address specific needs. The staff presentation noted that the county seeks to protect the roadway asset while accommodating agricultural operations through permit processes.

The board also approved a reduction of the speed limit on a portion of Goose Highway near Valleyford from 55 mph to 45 mph, a change staff said responds to neighborhood density, proximity to a fire station and a recent fatal crash at a nearby intersection. Staff estimated the travel-time penalty for affected users at under 15 seconds for the segment and said the intent is to reduce crash severity.

In the West Plains, the board approved lowering speeds on Hayford and Melville roads in an urbanizing area that includes a new park; staff said 45 mph no longer fit the changing character and that safety benefits were judged to outweigh minor travel-time increases.

At the intersection of Baymount Spokane Road and Bruce Road in Green Bluff, staff recommended converting the intersection to an all-way stop because northbound left-turn movements were creating unsafe gap choices. The county said it would deploy oversized signs, advance-warning signage and reflective post tape for the initial period and indicated a future roundabout might be a long-term improvement if warranted by accident history and capacity.

All motions on the traffic items passed unanimously. Commissioners and staff emphasized that exemptions for local access and trip permits remain available and encouraged farmers and school districts to work with county staff to obtain permits when needed.