Connell faces traffic load from Hwy 26 detour

Traffic loads from the Highway 26 detour through Connell reportedly have not had a big impact for the first four weeks the detour has been in place. Connell, located on Highway 395 south of Highway 26, was put on the path for WSU traffic loads when the state closed Highway 26 to replace the deck on the bridge across the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad about four miles west of Highway 395.

The detour sends traffic south on Highway 17 west of Othello, then west on Highway 260 through Connell to Highway 395 and then north 10 miles to Highway 26.

This week the state Department of Transportation reported the $1.2 million bridge project cannot be finished by the Nov. 21 deadline.

The detour has been in place for three WSU home football games. The contract extension this week put Connell in the path of two more big WSU traffic loads, Thanksgiving and the Apple Cup next Thursday and Friday. The Apple Cup will mix in UW football backers.

The detour adds 14 miles to the cross-state trip.

To date, Connell hasn’t noticed much change in traffic.

Unlike Colfax, the business district of Connell is not located on the state highway. Highway 260 skirts the south side of the business district before it links up with 395.

WSU’s Dad’s weekend only showed a little extra traffic around town, said Larry Turner, Connell’s public works director. He is hoping the city has their new electric car charging station up and running in time for the Apple Cup.

“The city is always hoping for more traffic and business. We’re hoping the diversion to be a plus,” Turner added.

He said they hope Apple Cup fans will stop. They expect a large influx flow, but Turner doesn’t know of any plans by the Connell Chamber of Commerce to draw extra attention.

The Highway 26 bridge construction project is expected to continue until early December.