Updated: October 31, 2025

Project Update

On August 15, 2025, the City applied for grant funding of $6 million through the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB). Notification of the award is anticipated in November 2025. 100% level design plans, specifications, and construction estimates are in process and expected to be completed in Spring 2026. 

Previous Information

David Evans and Associates, Inc. was awarded a professional services contract in August of 2023, to provide the project design.  30% level design was completed in March 2024.

On Feb. 1 and May 31 respectively, grant applications were submitted to WSDOT for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and Pedestrian & Bicycle Program Grant (PBP) requesting funding for the construction phase.  Both applications were identified as finalists.  On October 8, 2024, the City was awarded $1,675,000 for HSIP.

On Oct. 1, 2024, the City received the 60% level plans and estimates. These plans provided detailed information about the design for streets, water, sewer, stormwater, illumination, traffic signals, signage, striping, irrigation, and landscaping. The City also completed an Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) for improvements at the intersection of Poplar and State Route 125 (9th Avenue). This will involve updating the traffic signal-controlled intersection; a roundabout will not be installed. Additionally, the City has initiated consultations on historical, cultural, and environmental aspects.

90% level plans, specifications, and construction estimates were received by the City in July 2025. DEA is working on final updates over the Fall and Winter.

What is this project going to accomplish?

The project will reconstruct Poplar Street from 5^th Avenue to 14^th Avenue. The lane configuration will be modified to include a single vehicle lane for each direction of travel, a center two-way left turn lane, bike lanes, and parallel parking will be maintained. This configuration for Poplar Street between Park Street and Myra Road was approved by the Walla Walla City Council on Feb. 27, 2019, following a traffic study conducted by DKS Associates and considerable public outreach.

As part of the project, water and sewer lines will be replaced. Stormwater facilities will be improved to provide additional treatment and infiltration capacity.

Project Schedule

Design – expected completion fall 2025
Right of Way – expected completion winter 2025/2026
Construction – currently planned for three phases, depending on grant funding:

• Phase 1 –  5th Avenue to 9th Avenue on Poplar, tentatively scheduled in 2027
• Phase 2A – 9th Avenue and Poplar Street intersection, tentatively scheduled in spring 2028.
• Phase 2B – 9th Avenue to 14th Avenue, tentatively scheduled in summer through fall 2028.

The project’s schedule and phases depend on the Pine Street project to avoid concurrent traffic disruptions on 9th Avenue and prevent overlapping detours.

How will this project be funded?

The total project cost estimate is $14.5 million. The current projected funding breakdown is as follows; however, all construction funding is contingent upon additional grants.

• $3.54 M – Infrastructure Repair & Replacement Plan (IRRP) – City of Walla Walla
• $3.54 M - Transportation Benefit District (TBD) - City of Walla Walla
• $2.15 M – Water  (City of Walla Walla – Water Utility)
• $1.70 M – Wastewater  (City of Walla Walla – Wastewater Utility)
• $1.675 M – WSDOT/FHWA Highway Safety Improvement Program Grant
• $1.555 M – WSDOT Pedestrian & Bicycle Program Grant
• $322K – Washington Department of Ecology – Stormwater Design Grant