The Sandpoint Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee reviewed drawings and staff recommendations for the Fourth Avenue sidewalk project on Oct. 9 and agreed on a set of advisory comments for staff and public works.

Committee members pressed for paired curb ramps (receiving ramps) at crossings where site conditions make them feasible, recommended that the city investigate options to improve lighting near the Superior Street intersection, and asked staff to consider the possible relocation or trimming of trees that shield existing streetlights. Members also asked staff to evaluate whether the yield control at Superior and Fourth should be changed to a stop control, noting that sightlines and vehicle speeds on the approach contribute to pedestrian safety concerns at that location.

The committee supported a pedestrian connection along Fourth Avenue that ties into the Third Avenue Pier and asked staff to relocate an electrical pole where necessary to create a clear, constructible sidewalk alignment between Third and Fourth avenues. Staff noted technical constraints that will affect final design: grade differences in some blocks (which can make curb ramps infeasible), stormwater drainage needs that may require catch basins, and the potential cost and complexity of relocating utilities and poles.

Committee members asked staff to work with utility providers on feasibility and cost estimates for pole relocations and with Avista/Idaho Power on lighting options. The committee voted to forward the compiled comments for inclusion in the project record and asked staff to return with updates once public works and engineering assess feasibility and costs.