In brief: Havana Street bridge now open

A newly constructed bridge on Havana Street over the BNSF Railway main line is now open to traffic.

Spokane Mayor David Condon and other dignitaries gathered at the new span on Wednesday to celebrate its opening.

The bridge has four vehicle lanes, sidewalks and a shared bike path marked on the outside lanes. The $7.9 million project took more than two years to complete.

Previously, traffic across the railroad was often blocked by waiting trains.

The new bridge eliminates what had been a safety hazard at the old grade crossing.

It will improve traffic access to Spokane Community College, Spokane County Fair and Expo Center and Avista Stadium.

BNSF contributed to the project, with state funding coming from freight mobility and transportation improvement boards. Funding also came from the city of Spokane and federal transportation accounts.

Warm days likely through Monday

The ongoing string of sunny summer weather will continue through early next week with highs in the 80s.

A shot of northerly wind should keep the air dry and clear, forecasters said.

A weak upper-level system in British Columbia is going to graze the Inland Northwest as it migrates eastward. The change in air pressure will kick up northerly winds in North Idaho and the Okanogan Valley today.

Wind gusts in the lower 20s are likely in Sandpoint, Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Omak, forecasters said. In Spokane, lighter winds are likely.

Highs should warm to the upper 80s by Friday and then return to the lower 80s through Monday.

Portion of Nevada St. to be closed

Nevada Street from Hawthorne Road to U.S. Highway 2 will be closed at 7 a.m. today as part of a project to upgrade sidewalks in the area.

The closure is likely to continue into the weekend. Handicapped-accessible sidewalks, an upgraded traffic signal and changes in the traffic island are included in the job.

Shoulder closures on U.S. 2 are also possible.