Construction project near Spokane Valley schools creates traffic detours as school year begins

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — As students return to school in the Spokane Valley, a major construction project is making the commute more complicated for families heading to three local schools.

A construction project on 32nd Avenue has closed the road from McDonald to State Route 27, which neighbors say has created traffic backups as drivers navigate detours through residential neighborhoods during pick up and drop off times.

“If you come from the east side, you have to snake through neighborhoods to get to these schools. If you come from the West Side, everyone’s piling up on that side. So the line’s like five times longer than usual,” said Isaiah Dasen, who lives near the construction project.

For some drivers, the detour means traveling about a mile out of their way, while others report longer lines of cars and school buses.

“The traffic flow with kids walking across the streets has been kind of rough, for a long time. So I see why it’s needed. It took a long time over the summer. So that was kind of a nightmare. I’m glad it’s mostly finished, but having the street over there closed for the start of the school year is rough,” said Dasen.

The construction is being done to repave 32nd Avenue, install a new water main, and improve sidewalk ramps and signals.

The project started June 22 and is now in its final phase. Earlier in the summer, an even larger stretch of 32nd Avenue was closed, blocking off the entrance to University High School.

The closure is affecting access to University High, Chester Elementary and Horizon Middle School, with three different pick up and drop off times creating traffic challenges throughout the day.

Some neighbors have noted a positive aspect of the project. The road closure has stopped the usual flow of speedy traffic through some side streets in the neighborhood.

The city reports the project is about a week behind schedule. Work is expected to be completed by September 16.