Proposed Truck Route South of Pullman and Moscow Moves Forward

Whitman County and the Palouse Regional Transportation Planning Organization lead efforts to build a $23 million bypass to divert freight traffic.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Efforts are advancing for a proposed truck route south of Pullman and Moscow, Idaho. The project calls for improving existing roads to create a bypass that would tie into State Highway 8 near Moscow and run south through Whitman County to U.S. Highway 195, helping to move freight traffic out of the downtowns. Whitman County is seeking a federal grant to cover most of the $2.5 million design cost, and Moscow City Council is being asked to approve a $110,000 local match.

Why it matters

The proposed truck route is aimed at alleviating congestion and safety concerns caused by heavy freight traffic passing through the downtowns of Pullman and Moscow. Officials estimate the bypass could take 200 trucks per day out of the city centers, with substantially more during harvest season.

The details

The truck route would reconstruct two miles of Kirkendahl Road from gravel to paved, replace a bridge on Sand Road in Whitman County, and add a roundabout at the intersection of Palouse River Drive and Mountain View Road southeast of Moscow. The total project cost is estimated at nearly $23 million.

  • Last fall, Moscow City Council agreed to spend up to $13,500 to help pay for a consultant to apply for the design grant.
  • In late 2025, Whitman County Commissioners narrowly approved chipping in up to $31,500 for the consultant.
  • Moscow City Council's Public Works/Finance Committee will discuss the local match request during their meeting on Monday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Whitman County

The county leading the effort to create the proposed truck route.

Palouse Regional Transportation Planning Organization

The organization partnering with Whitman County on the project.

Moscow City Council

The city council being asked to approve a $110,000 local match for the design grant.

Chad Whetzel

A Whitman County Commissioner who voted against the initial consultant agreement.

Art Swannack and Tom Handy

Whitman County Commissioners who approved the initial consultant agreement.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.