The Transportation Security Administration worries about how much shampoo a passenger carries onto an airplane, but the Federal Aviation Administration can't say what kinds or quantities of hazardous materials are shipped through Spokane International Airport.
Or any other airport, for that matter.
"The FAA has no reason to track all the shipments of hazardous materials through airports," said FAA regional spokesman Mike Fargus.
A container of radioactive medical material was damaged last week at Spokane International Airport, spilling some cesium-131 out of the package. Fargus said it fell from a FedEx conveyor belt onto some machinery where it was crushed.
Airlines keep track of hazardous cargo, but the FAA takes note only when something goes wrong, said Fargus.
Washington state Department of Health officials said last week's spill was cleaned up and posed no public health threat. The department also noted that similar medical supplies are shipped routinely from a Richland manufacturer through Spokane on their way to destinations across the country.
Federal regulations do require people shipping dangerous goods and hazardous materials to attend training. FedEx offers a three-day session that meets the requirement. One more day of training gets you what you need to ship radioactive materials.
It takes that long to figure out what can and cannot go in your carry-on bag.
Lancaster work restarts
Hayden Lake area drivers may be wondering what's up with the Lancaster Road project.
Work was halted to accommodate summer traffic but should resume in the next week or so, said Lakes Highway District engineer Dale Baune.
Don't expect everything to be finished this year. The entire Lancaster Road project won't be complete until 2011.
Most of the work now is focused on finishing culverts. Future projects will soften the main curve and decrease the roadway's grade.
Studs OK in Idaho
Weather conditions would make you think it's a bit early for studded tires, but Idaho law allows drivers to put them on Oct. 1.
Same is true in Montana.
Washington doesn't allow studs until Nov. 1.
Havana crossing
Want to hear more about a plan to construct a Havana Street railroad overpass?
Work is set to start next spring, and the public is invited to hear more about the project Wednesday at the Spokane Interstate Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana. The open house will be from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in Agricultural Building B.
Right now trains halt traffic on Havana several times a day, making it ineffective as an arterial crossing the tracks. The overpass will eliminate that problem.
The city of Spokane, Washington State Department of Transportation and the Spokane Regional Transportation Council are collaborating on the overpass as part of the Washington and Idaho Bridging the Valley project.
Expensive repairs
AAA Washington/Inland is making a push for vehicle owners to perform more routine maintenance to prevent the most expensive repairs.
Number one on the list is engine replacement at an average cost of $2,800-$6,000. According to AAA, following your vehicle's maintenance schedule is key to preventing this repair. Northwest drivers should follow the severe driving schedule because of our mountains and extreme weather.
An automatic transmission rebuild is number two in expense, costing $2,000-$5,000 on average. The most common reason for this one is dirty transmission fluid.
During AAA's October Car Care Month, members can make appointments for free 35-point inspections at one of the 245 AAA approved auto shops in Washington and north Idaho.
To find one of the AAA-approved repair shops near you, go to or call (800) 562-2582.
Slow going
Downtown Spokane
Main Avenue will be closed at Division Street Wednesday and Thursday.
North Spokane
The Maple Street Bridge will have periodic single lane closures through the end of October for painting and other maintenance work.
Monroe Street is under construction from Francis to where Monroe intersects with Wall near Holy Cross Cemetery. Expect delays.
Austin Road is closed at Quamish Drive for sewer work. Traffic is detoured.
State Highway 291 construction near Rutter Parkway continues. There may be delays and single-lane traffic at times.
Charles Road is under construction from Inch Road to Highway 291. There will be pilot cars during paving.
Crestline Street is closed from Lincoln Road to Francis Avenue. Lincoln Road is closed from Napa Street to Crestline. Detours are in place.
West Dennison-Chattaroy Road is closed to all but local traffic between Highway 395 and Perry Road.
West Plains
Hayford Road is under construction from Highway 2 to Sprague Avenue. South Spokane
US. Highway 195 construction will narrow southbound traffic to one lane between Qualchan and Hatch roads today through Wednesday. Work also continues between Rosalia and Plaza. Expect delays and single lane traffic at times there.
The Palouse Highway is under construction near Highway 27. Expect delays.
The intersection of Bernard and 14th Avenue is still closed because crews had problems paving it last week. Paving won't take place this week either. Bernard Street is closed from 14th Avenue to 29th Avenue. Traffic is detoured to Grand Boulevard and Lincoln Street.
Freya Street is closed from 11th to 18th avenues.
Spokane sweeping
Crews will sweep in the northwest from Assembly to Winger between Nine Mile Road and Aubrey L. White Parkway; in the northeast from Crestline to Division between Francis and Westview; and on the south side from 29th to 53rd between Perry and Regal.
Please move cars off the streets. For more information, call (509) 456-2666.
Spokane Valley
Indiana is closed from Arc to Barker all month.
Valleyway is closed from Sullivan to Conklin through Friday.
Idaho
Paving near Mashburn Bridge on state Highway 3 (about 12 miles south of St. Maries) will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Drivers should expect delays of up to one hour.
Copyright 2005 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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