American Airlines will begin daily nonstop service between Spokane and Dallas starting July 5.

The new route will open Spokane to the key hub of American Airlines, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas.

Spokane International Airport officials have been working to get a Dallas flight for 18 years.

“It’s one of our most significant markets ever,” spokesman Todd Woodard said.

He said the new route will give Spokane travelers better access to the eastern U.S. as well as international destinations, including popular vacation spots in the tropics.

It will be the first time Spokane has had any direct service to Texas. The flights will be aboard an Airbus A-319, a single-aisle jet that holds 124 passengers in coach and first class.

The flights will depart from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport at 9:15 a.m. Central time, arriving in Spokane at 10:50 a.m.

The return flight will depart Spokane at 1:55 p.m., arriving in Dallas at 7:23 p.m. Central time.

Collins Sprague, chairman of the Spokane Airport board, said getting service to Dallas has been a top objective.

In a news release, Sprague said Dallas service will “open up more travel options for our community throughout the extensive American Airlines network. American’s decision to add DFW service will further contribute to the economic vitality of our region.”

American Airlines in Spokane also serves Phoenix with two direct flights each day on two morning departures and two afternoon and evening arrivals. Those flights also use the Airbus A-319.

Stable fuel prices and an improving national economy are a couple of reasons Spokane is seeing increases in air service, Woodard said.

Last month, United Airlines announced new service to Chicago and San Francisco, starting June 8. United had operated flights to those cities over the years but discontinued them.

Last year, the Spokane airport handled 3.2 million passengers aboard Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest and United airlines.

Nonstop service also is available to Boise, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City and Seattle.

Seasonal service is available to Chicago’s Midway airport and San Diego.

Worst potholes getting patched

Spokane last week launched a new early paving program to get some of the city’s worst pothole areas repaired.

Crews were working Friday in the vicinity of Thor and Freya streets along with east-west connections in the vicinity of Interstate 90 and the lower South Hill.

Road closures

In Spokane County, a failing culvert on Holcomb Road at Deadman Creek has forced closure of one lane while repairs are made.

Flooding problems have caused closures on Blanchard, Latah Creek, Ross Creek, Elder and Kellogg roads.

Works in progress

In the city of Spokane, work will resume April 1 on a project to improve 37th Avenue and Regal and Custer streets. That will result in closure of the intersection of Freya and 37th starting on the same date.

Work has resumed for the season on a new stormwater tank north of Bridge Avenue east of Monroe Street.

Another stormwater project west of City Hall will result in a closure of Spokane Falls Boulevard in coming weeks. Traffic will be rerouted on Lincoln Avenue between Spokane Falls and Main Avenue. The closure will last nearly two years.

Comment sought on bus route to Boise

In Idaho, transportation officials are soliciting comment on a proposal to operate an intercity bus route from Coeur d’Alene to Boise via Elevated Transit.

The transportation agency listed Jake Melder, public affairs specialist, at (208) 334-8874 or jake.melder@itd.idaho.gov.