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Weight Restrictions Begin Monday On Some County Roads

Seasonal weight restrictions are being placed on some Spokane County roads starting next Monday. The restrictions limit the size and weight of vehicles that can travel on those specific roads.

The restrictions are being put into place to reduce roadway damage and infrastructure before the spring.

The Sheriff's Office says they're going to allow a two-day education period to the public before they begin enforcing the new regulations on Wednesday, February 15th. After that, all violations become a $411 fine.

Online Document: What roads have weight restrictions in Spokane County? The county has an online map that shows the locations.

Spokane Valley Camaro drives with Christmas cheer

Spokane Valley Camaro drives with Christmas cheer

Deck the car with reindeers and duct tape. Nicholas Spragg, Spokane Valley resident, has made his 2002 Camaro into a mobile Christmas decoration. He emailed us to say he started decorating his car for Halloween and then Thanksgiving. Why not Christmas?

Spragg write, "The car is covered with duct tape and currently has over 26 decorations made completely out of duct tape."

Curious minds want to know how Spragg will decorate his car for National Fruitcake Day.

Share: Have a great photo you want to send KXLY? Email: nicoleh@kxly.com.

Construction scheduled in January for Sullivan Road Bridge

The Sullivan/Indiana intersection just re-opened after a few months of construction to improve the section leading up to the sixty-year-old Sullivan Bridge, but now the bridge will be going under the knife for improvements. Don't worry - it's only temporary.

In early January, the City of Spokane Valley authorized $358,000 for construction that will allow for increased bridge weight in late February. City council is concerned that decreased weight limits will impact local businesses.

Traffic will be shifted onto the northbound bridge and reduced to one lane in each direction.

Replacing the bridge completely is anticipated for the future. $19.7 million is needed, but they only have half from federal and state sources.

Spokane County Traffic Fatalities [2001-2009]

Spokane County Traffic Fatalities [2001-2009]

Have you ever wondered what regional Spokane County roads result in the most traffic fatalities? Maybe you’ve wanted to find more specific information about the traffic fatalities like what mode of transportation they were using and if that’s a frequent occurrence on that stretch of road.

Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation, ITO World Ltd. has compiled a data map of fatalities into a visual tale of deaths on the road.

The data only covers information from 2001 to 2009. Many recent fatalities you recall on the news will not be visible, especially those that sparked the city-wide ‘ghost bikes’.

Thanksgiving Travels Over Mountain Passes Will See Rain and Snow

Thanksgiving Travels Over Mountain Passes Will See Rain and Snow

Snow and rain is expected through the week over the passes toward Western Washington.

A winter storm warning was issued this morning and will last through the early evening. They’re expecting heavy snow in the north Cascades. The snow levels in the central Cascades will rise to above 5,000 feet this afternoon producing mixed precipitation.

Drivers are advised that freezing rain will make travel difficult. For those heading westbound for Thanksgiving, be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibility.

Washington State Patrol is asking travelers to drive carefully during the weekend and be prepared for the winter driving conditions.

Appleway Bridge Opens Thursday Morning

Appleway Bridge Opens Thursday Morning

It took two construction seasons to complete work on the bridge at Appleway Road over the Spokane River. Spokane County announced today the bridge, west of Stateline Village, is opening ahead of schedule and under budget. It will be open for traffic on Thursday at 9 a.m.

The 72-year-old bridge reached the end of its service in 2010 when the county began its work on replacing the bridge. The bridge was estimated to cost about $17,500,000 to repair, but the county says it only cost $8 million to complete.

When they began service the old bridge, they found several broken supports and abutments scoured away.

County engineer, Bob Brueggeman says the new bridge design incorporates architectural elements that reflect the original 1939 design.

In Brief: Snowstorms Expected

In Brief: Snowstorms Expected

We've already seen our first snow in the Inland Northwest and KXLY4's Chief Meteorologist Kris Crocker said several more winter storms are on the way.

Light to moderate snow is expected Wednesday in the valleys, Crocker said. The chance of snow lingers through Friday with moderate to heavy snowfall in the valleys.

She also said the temperatures aren't going to climb high enough to do much melting anytime soon.

Continued: Spokane's Snow Plan, Lookout Pass and Winter Driving Tips