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Spokane Valley seeks state pedestrian/bicycle and Safe Routes funds to address high‑crash corridors
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Summary
City staff proposed applying to the state's Pedestrian and Bicycle Program and the Safe Routes to School program for multiple projects—including Barker–Appleway roundabout, Appleway crossings, arterial crossings and a Sprague–Sullivan planning effort—emphasizing safety data and equity targets; council gave consensus to pursue applications and asked for further design and public‑engagement touchpoints.
City engineering staff briefed the council on March 3 about potential applications to the state Pedestrian and Bicycle Program and the Safe Routes to School program, seeking funding for safety projects along high‑crash arterials and for a planning study focused on Sprague and Sullivan.
Engineering manager Adam Jackson said the combined programs offer roughly $50–57 million and do not require a local match, though practical project sizing and program criteria will influence awards. Recommended applications include the Barker–Appleway roundabout, Appleway crossings (including pedestrian hybrid beacons and an RRFB), arterial crossing projects, and a planning grant to develop a more detailed design package for Sprague–Sullivan safety improvements.
Jackson noted that program evaluators will focus on crash severity and geographic equity, and that roughly 35% of funds must go toward high‑equity‑need populations across the program. Council members asked about eligibility for speed‑feedback signs, public‑engagement touchpoints, design timelines and how the city would avoid locking in designs before community input. City manager John Homan and staff said there would be subsequent design and council touchpoints if the city receives awards.
Council provided consensus to proceed with the applications and directed staff to return in March for motions to authorize formal submittal if requested.
