Work kicked off yesterday, following a groundbreaking ceremony, on a new West Plains Transit Center that will provide better bus service to the cities and neighborhoods on the West Plains.
The Spokesman-Review reports that the $10 million center will be located on the southwest side of the 272 Medical Lake interchange on Interstate 90. The center is being funded by a mix of state and federal grants and STA’s local match money. It will have three bus bays and three heated waiting shelters. Drivers of electric vehicles can charge up at one of four charging stations. The center will be wired for real-time bus information and for security monitoring. The park-and-ride lot adjacent to the center will have 200 vehicle spaces. Vending machines will accept fares and issue passes. Construction is expected to be completed next year.
The state Department of Transportation is in the middle of planning major improvements to the interchange, which will include a roundabout and dedicated bus lanes on the south side of I-90.