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Small contract amendment added to Thorpe Tunnel study; staff previews Safe Streets funding cycle

PIE Committee, City of Spokane · November 17, 2025

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Summary

Council was briefed on a $13,000 contract amendment to add one alternative to the Thorpe Tunnel study; staff said polished alternatives will be released after the new year and noted the study focuses on BNSF tunnel capacity. Abigail Martin also previewed Transportation Commission consideration of Safe Streets for All projects for 2027 construction and quick-build work for 2026.

Kevin Picasso told the committee that a roughly $13,000 contract amendment was proposed to add one additional alternative to the Thorpe Tunnel alternatives study, which examines tunnels under the BNSF corridor on Thorpe Road and the Fish Lake Trail tunnel. Picasso said multiple draft concepts and early cost estimates are under review and that staff expects to share refined alternatives with the public and council after the start of the year. He emphasized the study’s focus on tunnel capacity and coordination with BNSF rather than heavy involvement with WSDOT on the I-195 corridor.

Separately, Abigail Martin previewed a resolution and the Transportation Commission’s upcoming review of staff recommendations for the next round of Safe Streets for All funding. Martin said 2026 construction has been approved, but the commission will consider 2027 construction (the '27 by 27 network) and quick-build projects for 2026. Council members asked whether parameters for quick-build projects are specified; staff said formal parameters were not yet defined and that the packet offers guidance. No votes on the contract amendment or the Safe Streets items were recorded at the Nov. 17 meeting.

The Thorpe Tunnel amendment and the Safe Streets resolution are expected to return for formal consideration and public release of refined concepts early in the next calendar year.