Road construction spurs complaints

CHENEY – Recently, the ongoing construction at the Betz Road and State Highway 904 intersection has sparked numerous complaints, particularly related to traffic disruptions in the Safeway parking lot, according to the city police department.

Many drivers are using the parking lot as a shortcut to avoid the detours, leading to safety concerns.

The police have urged drivers not to use the Safeway parking lot as a thoroughfare to re-enter Highway 904 toward downtown. Instead, they should follow the designated detour signs.

An online post by the police department highlighted the dangers, stating, “This unnecessarily places pedestrians and other vehicles in danger.”

Drivers going to Safeway, heading westbound on Betz Road are advised to use the second entrance to the store, as left-hand turns into the first entrance before Starbucks are not permitted due to patrons are unable to make a left-hand turn to the drive-through.

Due to limited resources, the police department cannot continuously monitor the area. They are asking residents to report any violations or concerns to Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

Phase one of the construction was completed last Monday, and the second phase is currently underway, with the entire project expected to be finished by July 30.