Spokane County staff propose multiple traffic-code changes — new school zones and several speed-limit reductions

County transportation staff presented a set of traffic-code revisions on June 16 that county leaders will take to public hearing. Matt (county roads) briefed the commission on multiple proposals, including a new school zone with flashing beacons and a 20 mph limit in Airway Heights, lowering Craig Road from 45 to 35 mph as the area urbanizes, reducing a small Elk community approach to 25 mph after a citizen request, and a suite of Hastings changes near schools and retirement homes following a pedestrian fatality.

Matt said the Hastings corridor — a high‑injury location with heavy pedestrian activity — would see both an extended flashing school zone and a general speed reduction in a short segment from 35 to 30 mph to improve safety near crosswalks and commercial turning movements.

In Riverside State Park staff described a mixed change: some segments would be raised to 45 mph where there are no trail crossings, others would be 35 mph, and a busy crossing/parking lot area would remain 25 mph. Staff said they coordinated with Washington State Parks on the plan.

All the items were described as individual public‑hearing items that will be scheduled separately; no final board votes were recorded at the briefing.