Walla Walla County Secures $108.5 Million Grant for US 12 Phase 8 Corridor Completion Project
WASHINGTON– The County of Walla Walla has been awarded a significant $108,547,980 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to complete the final section of the US 12 four-lane highway from Wallula to Nine Mile Hill. This funding is part of the FY25-26 Rural Multi-Phase Development Grant (MPDG) program, aimed at improving critical transportation infrastructure in rural communities.
The US 12 Phase 8 Corridor Completion Project will replace the current two-lane undivided highway with a modern four-lane divided freeway. The project will enhance safety, accessibility, and traffic flow by expanding the roadway, incorporating a 42-foot median, and constructing four-foot shoulders. In addition, auxiliary lanes will be added at major intersections to improve access and mobility.
Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-5) released the following statement:
"This new Department of Transportation funding is a huge win for Eastern Washington. I’ve been a strong supporter of boosting infrastructure in the Walla Walla area, specifically the completion of US 12. I was proud to include $161.2 million in funding as part of our 2015 transportation package while serving in the state Senate. This appropriation continues that good work, and I will continue to work hard to ensure that Eastern Washington has the infrastructure needed to thrive."
The project will also focus on improving safety through the installation of roadside features such as guardrails and crash cushions and upgrading intersection and roadway geometry to meet current standards. Access points will be consolidated, improving traffic flow and reducing potential hazards.
The project is expected to benefit the residents of Walla Walla County and Eastern Washington, providing long-term improvements to a critical regional transportation corridor. This project falls within Washington’s 5th Congressional District and will be disbursed through the Office of the Secretary of Transportation.