Moscow council to talk bypass route, second K9

Moscow is taking steps to assist Whitman County in creating a bypass route designed to alleviate freight traffic congestion. The city plans to engage Welch Comer Engineers to apply for a grant for the project's design and engineering phases. City officials assert that the route, which will link Sand Road, Palouse River Drive, and Idaho Highway 8, will significantly ease traffic issues in downtown Pullman and Moscow. Key improvements include a new traffic signal at the intersection of Idaho Highway 8 and Mountain View Drive and upgrades to Palouse River Drive for truck accessibility. The estimated total cost of the project is $18.

9 million, with Whitman County responsible for the majority of funding. The Moscow City Council will vote on a memorandum of understanding with Whitman County on Monday to proceed with contracting Welch Comer. Additionally, the council will discuss adding a second drug-sniffing dog to the police department, as current canine Ragnar nears the end of his service life. The police chief believes that the new K9 will continue to bolster drug prevention efforts in the city.