TOUCHET – Just in time for summertime travel, drivers can now enjoy a wider, safer stretch of highway in southeast Washington. On Friday, June 2, the Washington State Department of Transportation and its contractor Atkinson Construction opened the new 11-mile segment of US 12 about halfway between the Wallula Junction and Walla Walla.
The new segment of the highway opened late Friday as contractor crews finished striping and installing safety signage for drivers. The speed limit on the new highway is 70 mph.
The US 12 Nine Mile Hill to Frenchtown – Build New Highway project broke ground in 2020. The project includes 11 miles of new roadway, two interchanges at Nine Mile Hill and Lower Dry Creek Road, and 11 new bridges. The new section of US 12 maintains connectivity along Cummins Road, Touchet Road North and Woodward Canyon about 1 mile north of Touchet. The previous section of US 12 will be turned over to Walla Walla County.
Atkinson Construction will continue minor work on the highway and connecting roads. WSDOT expects all construction will be complete later this summer.
Drivers can plan their trip through construction by using our statewide travel map or access the WSDOT app.