Thorpe Road at US 195 · Updated Oct. 14, 2026
The state highway department (WSDOT) has warned it may close local access to US 195 from Thorpe Road unless traffic problems are addressed. This page tracks that access question. The plat proposed on Thorpe Road is covered on its own page. The council has not taken a position.
What’s happening
Thorpe Road is the connection between Latah Valley and US 195. According to news coverage, WSDOT has said it may close local access to US 195 from Thorpe Road if the City moves ahead with growth without addressing the traffic problems to the agency’s satisfaction. Reported March 2026; we have not confirmed the year or WSDOT’s exact wording, and have not checked it against a WSDOT document.
Improvements WSDOT has called for include widening the Thorpe Road tunnels under the railroad and resolving the Thorpe Road and US 195 intersection. It has also called for reconnecting Inland Empire Way to US 195 during construction of the Victory Heights project. WSDOT has warned since at least 2020 that the valley’s roads could fail as a system, especially where US 195 merges onto I-90.
A 2021 regional study of US 195 identified 26 projects for the Latah Valley area. The City’s August 2026 draft of the Comprehensive Plan transportation chapter does not mention Thorpe Road or US 195 by name.
US 195 runs through the neighborhood. The Thorpe Road point was placed by address, so treat it as accurate to about a block. The dashed line and the I-90 junction are approximate.
Why it matters
Neighbors who live off Thorpe Road rely on it to reach US 195 every day. Closing local access, or approving more development before road fixes are funded, would change how people get to work, school and emergency services. What the City and WSDOT agree to now will shape the next decade of this corridor.
Where things stand
- Next — Ask the City and WSDOT what is planned for the Thorpe Road tunnels and the US 195 intersection. No response on file.
- August 2026 — City publishes a revised draft of the Comprehensive Plan transportation chapter. Thorpe Road and US 195 not mentioned in the draft we reviewed.
- March 2026 — News reports WSDOT’s renewed warning about closing local access at Thorpe Road. Year to be confirmed.
- December 2021 — Regional Transportation Council adopts its US 195 study with 26 projects for the Latah Valley area.
How you can help
You do not need to be an expert. What you see every day is useful.
Start here (a few minutes)
- Tell us how Thorpe Road and US 195 work for you. Where do backups happen, and at what times? Share it in the form below.
- Comment on the City’s plan. The Comprehensive Plan review accepts public comment; see the City’s PlanSpokane page for the current schedule.
Sources & documents
- City of Spokane, PlanSpokane Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 4 Transportation (draft, Aug. 2026)
- Spokane Regional Transportation Council, US 195 Corridor Study (2021)
- News coverage of WSDOT’s warning on local access to US 195 (March 2026)
Community discussion
Have a question, an update or firsthand experience to share? Add to the conversation so neighbors and Council volunteers can work toward solutions together. Comments are reviewed by the council before they appear. Comments are community comments, not verified facts or official Council positions.