Spokane County approves temporary all‑way stop at Appaway and Welsley while roundabout is delayed

Spokane County commissioners voted unanimously to approve a temporary all‑way stop at the intersection of Appaway Avenue and Welsley Avenue, a short‑term safety measure proposed by Spokane County Public Works while a funded roundabout project is delayed by property negotiations.

Matt Zerakor of Spokane County Public Works told the board the intersection sits on the Idaho state line and that staff had recorded 19 accidents between 2021 and 2025 and six in the last year, including injury crashes. He described the all‑way stop as a stopgap intended to reduce crashes and said a roundabout is funded but delayed because property negotiations have taken longer than expected. Zerakor said beacons ordered to help signal the change are not expected to arrive until July.

Commissioners and staff discussed signage and advance warning to ensure drivers recognize the new pattern; one commissioner noted vehicle speeds in the area. Two members of the public testified on the item: one asked whether the stop sign was a short‑term “band‑aid” and whether roundabouts are preferable; Wade Flores said he supports a roundabout and worried that a stop sign could create congestion, particularly with semis in the area. Becky Graham, speaking online, thanked Public Works staff for attention to the location and said local residents welcomed measures to reduce accidents.

A commissioner moved to approve public hearing item 6A as presented by staff, a second was received, and the motion passed unanimously. Earlier in the meeting the board also approved consent agenda items three, four and five, including subitems, by unanimous vote.

Following the vote the chair announced two executive sessions scheduled for evaluation and performance review under the statute read into the record; no action would be taken and the board adjourned until after the Fourth of July recess.