Barker Road river access in jeopardy
November 9, 2010
Due to construction issues, the long term viability of public access to the Spokane River at Barker Road is in danger.
Put in and take out at Barker Road Bridge has historically been used by paddlers. When designing for replacement of the bridge, maintaining access was not part of the original plan. The City of Spokane Valley then worked with engineers to site the bridge in a manner that access would be preserved.
The bridge design called for an “access lane” that goes to the low water mark of the river. During construction, a platform to support bridge construction was placed over this area. Unfortunately, construction activities resulted in the natural river bank slope to the river being washed away, leaving a steep embankment. The extent of damage could not be noted until the platform was removed last summer.
When the platform was removed the contractor simply put gravel down to the embankment, making no effort to provide the access lane shown in the bridge design documents.
In a Spokane Riverkeeper letter to the City of Spokane Valley, they lay out a number of public safety and environmental issues that leave the future of this access point in doubt. The letter states that the access currently offered creates “… an embarrassment to Spokane River recreation and an eyesore on an otherwise pristine stretch of water.” It goes on to note the likelihood that what access is provided will likely wash away when spring runoff occurs. Further, Riverkeeper contends that the city faces public safety and environmental liabilities if it chooses not to complete the original design.
The Riverkeeper strongly supports access at this point, noting in the letter that “To abandon access at this time and expose the city to liability is an eventuality Spokane Riverkeeper would like to assist the Valley in avoiding.”
The River Forum is hoping that stakeholders can come together to make an access point that is both attractive and safe for users, and a model of environmental stewardship. Said Andy Dunau, the Forum’s Executive Director, “Barker Road is a critical part of the water trail we’re working with stakeholders throughout the region to develop. We’ve identified partners and fundraising to do a new topographic survey and design work to get Barker right. To make this work, we need to start with a clean piece of paper and everyone will need to contribute. We’re hopeful the City of Spokane Valley agrees.”