SPOKANE, Wash. — The City of Spokane is temporarily closing pedestrian access to the Browne Street viaduct as construction begins on the Pacific Avenue Greenway. Code Enforcement will begin installing construction fencing Thursday to close off the four entrances to the viaduct.
During the viaduct closure, the city will conduct a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) analysis to determine what steps can be taken to improve the area. The analysis will evaluate environmental design enhancements and seek partnership with BNSF to improve safety conditions of the property it owns and operates. Potential improvements include installing additional lighting and cameras.
Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized the coordinated approach underlying these actions. “This is what a coordinated community safety system looks like. From homelessness to behavioral health to housing, these challenges are intertwined and demand an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach,” Brown said. “These actions bring the right tools together: enforcement when it’s necessary, outreach and services when they can help, and investments that address the conditions that allow challenges to persist.”…