Lack of funding places North Spokane's U.S. 395 project on hold

Due to a lack of funding, the new U.S. 395 North Spokane Corridor Highway Project has been placed on hold.

Gregory Nadeau, the acting Federal Highway Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation, recently visited the project to receive a progress report. He received a positive report concerning the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway realignment, which is just one part of the new U.S. 395 North Spokane Corridor that will connect from Freya Street to Interstate 90.

“This project will eliminate congestion and improve traffic flow and safety for thousands of drivers throughout the Spokane Valley each day," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. “This project is a perfect example of why we need a long-term transportation bill, like the GROW AMERICA Act, that will provide funding certainty at the federal level.”

The track must be relocated so that crews can build onto the remaining 5-mile section of the North Spokane Corridor. This corridor will need an additional $700 million to finish the connection to I-90.

“Improving traffic flow in growing business hubs like Spokane helps everyone, from shorter trips to and from work and enhanced safety for thousands of drivers each day,” Nadeau said. “These are the kind of projects we need to see more of nationwide – and, with Congress’ help, we will.”