During a recent city council meeting, concerns were raised regarding the safety of the intersection at Henry Road and Sprague Avenue, which transitions to Cramer Road. A resident highlighted the potential risks associated with this intersection, particularly as the city and surrounding residential areas continue to grow.
The resident described the intersection as feeling unsafe, noting that vehicles navigating the main thoroughfare encounter a sharp corner with limited visibility of oncoming traffic. Additionally, the stop sign for Henry Road is positioned far back from the intersection, forcing drivers to inch forward into a potentially hazardous position to gain a clearer view of the road.
While the Washington Department of Transportation's collision database indicates only one reported accident at this intersection from August 2021 to August 2024, the resident expressed concern that increased traffic and population growth could elevate the risk of accidents, especially during adverse weather conditions. The intersection is also frequented by pedestrians and bicyclists, adding to the urgency of the safety discussion.
Complicating matters, the intersection lies on the border between Liberty Lake and Green Acres, raising questions about jurisdiction and responsibility for safety improvements. The resident referenced a joint planning agreement between Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley but noted the lack of clarity regarding any similar agreement with Green Acres.
The discussion underscores the need for proactive planning and management of roadways as the community evolves, emphasizing the importance of addressing safety concerns before they lead to more serious incidents.