If you are a first responder or essential personnel, you know that it is important to be able to get to work on time. So, let’s take a look at some of areas in the Inland Northwest where the traffic can get a bit ‘sticky’ at times. These are the areas that I personally watch for.
Long Bridge, Sandpoint
The first one is the Long Bridge in Sandpoint. Most of the time, traffic flows pretty smoothly, but when there is an accident on the Bridge, you either have to wait, or spend an hour driving all the way to Priest River to g0 around it. This primarily effects first responders who live in Sagle (south of the bridge) and commute to work in Sandpoint.
I-90 Between Post Falls & Coeur d’Alene
There is a 4-mile stretch of I-90, between Post Falls and CDA that has no off-ramps, but has a rest stop and truck weigh station. When there is an accident there, it’s pretty easy to go around if you are near an exit, but if you are in that 4-mile stretch, you’re stuck.
Lookout & 4th Of July Passes
These next 2 are mountain passes – 4th of July Pass and Lookout pass. Every now and then a semi or truck towing a trailer takes the turns too fast, tips over, and blocks some lanes of traffic.
These passes are also effected by seasonal road changes. You will see delays in snowy weather as semis pull off to take the chains on and off their tires. On weekends in the summer, lanes east bound tend to slow as people leave town for their favorite camping spots, and west bound as they head home on Sunday afternoons.
Highway 97
There is a stretch of Highway 97 where the road is twisty and has odd grading. It is a pleasant winding drive in the summer, but can be slow going in the winter. This is one of the primary reasons that most people prefer not to commute to CDA in the winter up that east side of the lake – especially if they have to be in CDA on a daily basis for work.
Highway 41 North of Rathdrum
Highway 41, between Rathdrum and Spirit Lake has seasonal load limits and speed restrictions for semis every spring, so if you check Google Maps to figure out the drive time, be aware that the time will be different early in the year.
Spokane: Daily Congestion Areas
There are 2 main areas around Spokane to avoid around startin’ and quittin’ time whenever possible. First is the stretch of I-90 between Spokane Valley and Stateline. Traffic doesn’t usually stop, but it does slow to a crawl. Second is the North Division. However – we are hoping that this one won’t be a problem for too much longer. An alternate North/South route, (the North/South Freeway) is under construction and scheduled for completed in 2028 – With any luck, that will take the pressure off of Division and the surrounding streets.
If you are considering buying a home in North Idaho or Eastern Washington, commute time is one of the things that I help you take into consideration as you choose your perfect new home.
