Port to extend fiber optics from Oakesdale to Tekoa

Route of Port fiber optics line from Oakesdale to Tekoa south of Highway 27.

The Port of Whitman County has issued a bids call for installation of a fiber optics line from Oakesdale to Tekoa. Bids are set to be opened July 27 with construction work to be completed by Oct. 31.

The project will install less than 10 miles of 1 ¼ inch fiber optics duct which can easily contain 288 strands of fiber.

“A lot of capacity,” said Joe Piore, Port executive director.

The fiber will stem from the Spokane to Clarkston fiber line which passes through Oakesdale.

The new fiber will begin at the intersection of Highway 27 and Henry St. in Oakesdale, following Henry to Washington St. to Bartlet St. to Idaho St., and out of town on Old Sheep Road which turns into I N Balthis Road. From there it briefly follows Warner Road, then to Fanning, Sienknecht, Tom Norton, Bancroft, Mesterman and Futter roads to Highway 27 and on into Tekoa where it becomes Ramsey.

Then the line takes Main Street for half a block and goes down the alley to Warren, Broadway, Connell and Howard streets to Seaman Road to Crosby and to Poplar. The line will continue along Poplar outside the city limits where it becomes Highway 274 and comes to an end at the state line.

Piore noted the port does not provide fiber optics service. Telecommunications businesses lease the fiber and then sell the service to individuals and businesses.