Project Title & Location
US 12/McDonald Road to Walla Walla - Add Lanes
Walla Walla County

Project Description
This project is phase six of eight phases that improve US 12 from SR 124 (Burbank) to Walla Walla. This approximately eight mile project will reconstruct US 12 from McDonald Road to Walla Walla as a four lane divided highway, with improved capacity and enhanced safety.

Contractor/Consultant
David Evans and Associates prepared the Resource Reports.  Landau and Associates is studying the springs near Pine Street.

Recent Progress
The project office has completed a 30% design package for internal review.  Acquisition of right of way has begun.  Two parcels have already been acquired.

Design Construction Impacts
Recent cost escalations have increased the construction amount of this project by approximately 22%.  A majority of these increases can be attributed to rising fuel prices and asphalt oil used to make hot mix asphalt pavement.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The Environmental Assessment (EA) was published on May 15, 2006.  A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and State Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) will be issued by October of this year.

WSDOT is working with the Walla Walla County Watershed Planning group to find mitigation opportunities that benefit creeks, rivers, and fish habitat in Walla Walla County.

Impacts to Traffic
A majority of the project work will take place away from existing roadways. To keep traffic moving and increase safety at the Pine Street Intersection, WSDOT will construct a temporary detour which will allow traffic to continue to moving freely.

Right of way certification is scheduled for October 2007.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account