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[Plutonic Panda]

A series of projects is underway or soon will be to improve the semi-short stretch of I-90 through Idaho. Particularly in the west from the WA State line and Coeur d’Alene. New lanes and interchange redesigns are part of the plan.

The overall plan is expected to cost 1-2 billion dollars. Most of it is currently unfunded and in the planning phases.

Proposed improvements include adding lanes on I-90, modifying access and upgrading interchanges with impacts to local roads in both cities. Areas with proposed improvements include:

Spokane Street and Seltice Way Interchanges
Northwest Boulevard Interchange
US-95 and Fourth Street Interchanges
Seventh Street Bridge
Sherman Avenue Interchange

- Public Meetings(already held): https://itd.idaho.gov/news/public-invited-to-open-houses-to-comment-on-preliminary-i-90-corridor-designs/

Project website: https://itdprojects.org/projects/i90corridorstudy/

News article(basically worthless): https://www.khq.com/news/idaho-transportation-department-proposes-major-i-90-construction-project-due-to-influx-of-people/video_6db8d87e-5a75-11ed-bb85-a321294460a7.html

[Plutonic Panda]

The I-90/SH-41 Interchange is underway and scheduled to be complete in 2025. It is being designed to allow for a future expansion of I-90.

- https://itdprojects.org/projects/i90sh41ic/

[JREwing78]

If it includes a full-depth rebuild of the roadbed and replacement of bridges and overpasses, $1-2 billion seems low for the full 73 miles. For the 20 miles east of the Washington state line, that feels about right. Add another $1 billion to complete it to the Montana line.

For example, the I-39/90 rebuild (and widening) in southern WI was 44 miles of a full highway rebuild (including bridges and overpasses) over 6 years, and came in at about $1 billion. Southern Wisconsin is basically the flatlands in comparison to NW Idaho; I imagine there will be some challenges in rebuilding this stretch of I-90 even if it largely stays within the original footprint.

Judging from traffic counts there shouldn't be a need for widening very far east of Coeur d’Alene, aside from maybe additional truck climbing lanes.

[FrCorySticha]

Judging from traffic counts there shouldn't be a need for widening very far east of Coeur d’Alene, aside from maybe additional truck climbing lanes.

That matches my experience of driving this route 4-6 times a year over the past few years. Traffic is generally pretty messy between Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, but east of there to Lookout Pass is generally free-flowing. The road itself is well worn, including the viaduct that bypassed "the last stoplight on I-90" in Wallace, but otherwise sufficient for traffic levels.

[Bruce]

Spokane and Coeur d'Alene are two anchors of a shared metro area, but their connectivity is really poor. Hopefully ITD and WSDOT can look at building flyer stops for express buses at interchanges and getting STA to run a few during rush hour.

[Plutonic Panda]

If it includes a full-depth rebuild of the roadbed and replacement of bridges and overpasses, $1-2 billion seems low for the full 73 miles. For the 20 miles east of the Washington state line, that feels about right. Add another $1 billion to complete it to the Montana line.

For example, the I-39/90 rebuild (and widening) in southern WI was 44 miles of a full highway rebuild (including bridges and overpasses) over 6 years, and came in at about $1 billion. Southern Wisconsin is basically the flatlands in comparison to NW Idaho; I imagine there will be some challenges in rebuilding this stretch of I-90 even if it largely stays within the original footprint.

Judging from traffic counts there shouldn't be a need for widening very far east of Coeur d’Alene, aside from maybe additional truck climbing lanes.

I think all the planned widening are indeed from Coeur d’Alene west to the WA State line. Nothing to the east.

[Plutonic Panda]

Spokane and Coeur d'Alene are two anchors of a shared metro area, but their connectivity is really poor. Hopefully ITD and WSDOT can look at building flyer stops for express buses at interchanges and getting STA to run a few during rush hour.

Idaho in general needs to do a better job of planning for the insane growth. Even with new freeways they’re lacking let alone mass transit. Boise seems to be in the same boat.

[Rothman]

Keep in mind Spokane Valley is a city in its own right now.

[Bruce]

Keep in mind Spokane Valley is a city in its own right now.

Has been for 20 years. I think we've heard by now.

[Rothman]

Keep in mind Spokane Valley is a city in its own right now.

Has been for 20 years. I think we've heard by now.

Sure, but a lot of people seemed to be implying that there is not much between Spokane and Coeur d'Alene when it's actually quite urbanized now.