2025 Myra Road South Extension Project

Overview of the intersection roundabout design for the Myra Road and SR125 intersection

Updated: Dec. 22, 2025
Project Update

Work on the roundabout at the intersection of SR-125 and Myra Road is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2026.

A partial closure is required at the intersection of Myra Road and SR-125 to accommodate construction.
The closure will occur on Myra Road between SR-125 and Commercial Drive/Twin Creek Place.
SR-125 will remain open during construction with one lane of traffic in each direction. Detour routes will be in place to facilitate access between Myra Road and SR-125 via Commercial Drive and The Dalles Military Road.

Construction of the first phase of the roundabout (south half of the intersection) is expected to be completed in April 2026.

Crews will then begin the second phase (north half of the intersection) of work and adjust the traffic pattern at the intersection to support construction. All work for the installation of the roundabout at SR-125 and Myra Road is expected to be completed by the end of May 2026.

1.5.25 Myra Phase 3 Detours

Project Overview

The Myra Road South Extension Project will extend Myra Road from its present terminus at SR-125 south to Taumarson Road, linking the south Walla Walla area with US-12 and providing direct access to over 50 acres of commercial and residential zoned vacant land south of SR-125. Through collaborative partnerships between the cities of Walla Walla and College Place, Walla Walla County, private development, and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), this project develops essential infrastructure to address critical community needs, including job creation, housing, shopping opportunities, reduced emergency response times, congestion reduction, and increased funding for City services.

What is this project going to accomplish?

The Myra Road South Extension will unlock over 50 acres of commercial and residential zoned vacant land just south of SR 125, encouraging future economic development. This project is within the City’s TIA* site and sets the foundation for increased revenue and economic growth, including commercial and residential development. Over 100 new housing units are anticipated in this area, as well as retail development, which will support increased shopping opportunities and job creation.

*The TIA is a financing tool that local governments in Washington State can use to fund public infrastructure in targeted areas to encourage private development and investment. Learn more about the TIA here.
Myra Benefits 2
This project also has distinct transportation benefits. The new roadway will improve the region’s transportation infrastructure, connecting the south Walla Walla area to US-12 and SR-125, and improving emergency response time by facilitating better access for emergency vehicles. This project will:

Extend Myra Road for approximately half a mile, including a 12-foot multi-use shared path on both sides for bikers and walkers between SR-125 and Taumarson Road.
Remove the median curb along Myra Road at Commercial Drive to restore full access for vehicles.
Add four roundabouts to improve traffic flow, as listed below:
Replace the traffic light at the Myra Road and SR-125 intersection with a multi-lane roundabout.
- Install a single-lane roundabout on the commercial site between SR-125 and Highland Road.
- Install a single-lane compact roundabout at the intersection of Myra Road and Highland Road.
- Install a single-lane compact roundabout at the intersection of Myra Road and Taumarson Road

Project Cost: $13 million

How will this project be funded?
The City received a $2.2 million Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant and a $8.4 million Public Works Board (PWB) loan, and $933k grant. In May 2024, the Walla Walla City Council also established a Tax Increment Area (TIA) to generate revenue for repayment of debt to fund the Myra Road South Extension Project. This revenue would help repay the loan from the Public Works Board.

Why is Myra Road being extended?

The Myra Road South Extension Project is the final phase of the Myra Road corridor that began over 20 years ago to provide a major north/south transportation route between SR-125 and US-12, providing a continuous multi-modal network for the cities of Walla Walla and College Place as well as the adjacent portions of unincorporated Walla Walla County – better connecting neighborhoods to the highway, schools, jobs, parks, hospitals, and shopping along Myra Road.

How is increased traffic on Highland Road and Taumarson Road being addressed?

How will traffic volumes and speeds on Highland and Taumarson be addressed?

In addition to compact roundabouts at both intersections, which force all traffic to reduce speed, traffic calming measures are also proposed for Highland and Taumarson:

Additional driver feedback radar sign(s) on Taumarson Road.
Speed cushions on Highland Road.
Adding driver feedback radar signs on Highland Road.

These measures will help reduce vehicle speeds and discourage traffic from using Highland.

How much is traffic projected to increase on Highland and Taumarson?

Traffic data was collected in March and analyzed to determine current and projected future volumes in the year 2045. The following table summarizes the 2024 and projected 2045 volumes.

Myra Chart

Why does the extension of Myra Road go all the way to Taumarson Road?

Are there bike and pedestrian improvements?

Yes, on the new Myra Road extension from SR-125 to Taumarson Road the project will install a 12-foot shared multi-use path on both sides of the road for bikes and pedestrians. This improvement will enhance connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists by providing a dedicated space separate from vehicle traffic. These paths encourage active transportation, reduce the risk of accidents, and improve accessibility for all users, including those with wheelchairs or strollers.

Myra Bike Lane

Why are you constructing roundabouts?

Roundabouts are used in roadways to improve traffic flow and safety. Unlike traditional intersections, roundabouts reduce the need for stop-and-go traffic by allowing vehicles to move continuously through the intersection at lower speeds. This design helps minimize delays, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce vehicle emissions. Additionally, roundabouts are proven to reduce the severity of accidents by eliminating head-on and high-speed collisions, making them safer for both drivers and pedestrians. They are also more cost-effective in the long run, as they require less maintenance.

Myra Road South Extension Open House Questions and Answers:

What considerations are being made for low-income or single-family homes?

The Myra Road South Extension Project is designed to improve infrastructure and connectivity in the Walla Walla area, benefiting all residents, including those in low-income or single-family homes. By providing a major north/south transportation route between SR-125 and US-12, the project enhances access to highways, schools, jobs, parks, hospitals, and shopping areas.

While the project does not specifically target the construction of low-income or single-family homes, the anticipated improvements in transportation infrastructure, housing availability, and neighborhood safety are expected to provide benefits that extend to these communities. The project encourages future housing development by unlocking over 50 acres of vacant land zoned for commercial and residential use, with over 100 new housing units anticipated in the area.

What retailers are committed to this project?

Will the Highland and Taumarson roundabout be completed at the same time as the Myra/SR125 roundabout?

What led to the decision to place a roundabout at the intersection of 125/Myra Road?

Under Washington State Department of Transportation WSDOT’s Roundabout First policy, roundabouts must be evaluated due to their proven safety and operational benefits. At the 125/Myra intersection, a roundabout was chosen for its ability to improve traffic flow, reduce delays, and enhance safety by eliminating high-speed and head-on collisions. Additionally, roundabouts support efficient multimodal transportation, offer long-term cost savings, and require less maintenance compared to traditional intersections.

Are there planned improvements for Highland Road?

Do traffic estimates exist for Highland and Taumarson for the coming years?

Yes, traffic estimates for Highland and Taumarson Roads have been analyzed for both current and future conditions. These improvements are designed to accommodate growing demand while preserving neighborhood livability. As part of the project, traffic calming measures such as compact roundabouts, speed humps, and radar feedback signs will be implemented to manage traffic flow and enhance safety and accessibility for local residents.

	Existing 2024 Vehicle Volumes	Forecasted 2045 Vehicle Volumes
Highland Road	600	2,300
Palouse Street	1,055	1,171
Division Street	4,015	4,458
Taumarson Road	5,000	8,400
Plaza Way	12,467	13,843

Why is it a priority for the City to increase retail shopping opportunities?

Citizen feedback from the annual satisfaction survey highlights the need for more local retail options, as the nearest regional shopping area is over an hour away. The Myra Road/SR125 to Taumarson Road project aims to enhance convenience, reduce long trips to neighboring cities, and lower travel costs for residents.

Retail expansion is essential to the City's economic health, with sales tax revenue funding vital services such as police, fire, libraries, and infrastructure. Increased retail development will strengthen the local tax base and attract further investment. Securing a major retailer like WinCo is a significant milestone, but progress depends on completing the Myra Road/SR125 to Taumarson Road project

Are there any noise mitigation measures being implemented as part of the new road improvement project?

Will the speed on SR 125 change with the installation of the roundabout?