South Hill neighbors say $200K traffic calming project isn't working

SPOKANE, Wash. — Neighbors near a South Hill intersection say a nearly $200,000 city traffic calming project has made their street more dangerous instead of safer as children return to school.

The city recently completed curb extensions at the intersection of Thurston Avenue and Pittsburg Street, just blocks west of Hamblen Elementary School, as part of its traffic calming efforts. However, residents say drivers are now cutting through the center of the redesigned intersection rather than slowing down.

"If anything, I think they almost went faster," said Andrea Albinson, who walks along Thurston daily. "They sort of skirt the division line there and go in the middle and maybe break, but it's not too effective. A stop sign would be good. Perhaps a crosswalk or something."

The intersectio