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Palouse Railroad Crossing Receives Funds For Safety Upgrades

Palouse Railroad Crossing Receives Funds For Safety Upgrades

New funds are pouring into Palouse’s railroad crossing on west Spokane Street to improve its safety.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved about $20,000 from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund to Washington & Idaho Railway, Inc (WIR). to improve the crossing’s overall safety.

No accidents have ever been reported at the crossing. The new upgrades take a proactive approach to safety - replacing the mainline track circuits with a motion sensing unit, upgrading the lighting and battery charger to a newer version with replaced batteries.

The upgrades must by completed by September 30th of next year. State funding is only limited to $19,996 of the project. Labor cost will be covered by WIR.

Palouse Traffic Fatalities [2001-2009]

Palouse Traffic Fatalities [2001-2009]

Have you ever wondered what regional Palouse 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.

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.

Man Dies From Hypothermia After Vehicle Accident

(Updated 5:44 p.m.) - A man died this morning in south Latah County when he tried to walk for help during last night's snow storm. The Sheriff's Office says his vehicle crashed into a ditch around 2 a.m. on Genesee Julietta Road. 

The man left his female passenger in the vehicle while he left to get help. Hours later, the female left the vehicle to find him and found him along the road suffering from hypothermia. He was taken to Gritman Medical Center in Moscow where he was later pronounced dead. Deputies believe alcohol was involved.

WSU Staff Critically Injured During Bicycle Accident

A bicyclist run over by a Pullman Transit bus this morning, has been confirmed by WSU Police as a staff employee of WSU's history department.

The man was riding his bike along Stadium Way near Wilson Road on campus when he slipped off the sidewalk and into the street.

He suffered significant injuries to both legs and has been transported to a Spokane hospital. Officials are describing his injuries as potentially life-threatening.

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

Martin Stadium Construction Would Close Service Parking Lot

Martin Stadium Construction Would Close Service Parking Lot

To make way for improvements at Martin Stadium, the parking area east of the Compton Union Building is closing for good on November 21st. The school says it will only affect parking for a few service vehicles and eight disability parking spots. 

The stadium construction must first be approved by the Board of Regents. If approved, they'll begin after the final home football game. The construction consists of replacing the existing press box and improving suite seating.

Alternate parking for the eight disability parking spots are available at the Green 1 parking lot south of the Fine Arts building.