In 2015, the Washington State Legislature provided funds for the Phase 8 roadway design and right-of-way acquisition as part of the Connecting Washington transportation funding package.
Completing this new section of US 12 highway will benefit the residents, businesses and traveling public through improved safety, capacity and mobility. In addition, the regional transportation system between the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla will better support the agriculture and wine industries and other freight traffic critical to Eastern Washington’s economic vitality.
Project benefits
- Increased safety: The proposed four-lane highway will improve safety by separating opposing traffic with a median. Grade-separated intersections with local roads will allow access to and from the new roadway. Building a four-lane highway will also ease conflicts between slow moving trucks and passenger vehicles.
- Reduce congestion: A four-lane highway will improve traffic flow and passing vehicle movements.
- Freight mobility: Commercial trucks make up as much as 12% of traffic on US 12 in this area. Increasing capacity will reduce slowdowns and improve travel time for freight, tourism, recreational and commuter traffic.
- Economic: Once complete, the new four-lane highway will connect Walla Walla to the western ports and enhance mobility within the region and state.
We will have more direction and a better timeline for the project after the Governor approves and signs the Supplemental Budget in spring 2021.
Approximately $22 Million
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