Updated: Jan. 23, 2026

Project Overview

The City, County, and Port of Walla Walla are working together to improve the intersection of Highway 12 and North Clinton Street, enhancing safety and improving connectivity for all modes of travel. The project builds on a concept design from a previous transportation study of a grade-separated diamond overpass interchange and related improvements along Clinton Street, Middle Waitsburg Road, and Lower Waitsburg Road. In addition to the interchange, upgraded lighting and street improvements will better accommodate people biking, walking, driving, and using mobility devices. The new interchange will provide a direct north–south connection across Highway 12 at Clinton Street as well as improve freight efficiency, adjacent Highway 12 interchange function, and support future growth and economic opportunities.

Background

In 2016, WSDOT restricted access at the Clinton Street/Highway 12 intersection due to safety concerns, eliminating the Clinton Street through and left-turn movements. While vehicle safety has improved, the intersection remains a barrier for pedestrians and cyclists and forces drivers accessing residences and jobs north of Highway 12 to detour using local streets. This project will provide a safe pedestrian and bicycle crossing, restore full motor vehicle access to reduce cut-through traffic on local streets, and maintain efficient freight operations on Highway 12. 

A partnership between the City, County, Port of Walla Walla, and WSDOT resulted in the Highway 12/Clinton/Wilbur Feasibility Transportation Study, which was completed in January of 2020. This study identified strategies to improve multimodal connectivity, address safety concerns, and alleviate congestion. It also identified short- and long-term solutions to support future land use and growth north of the Highway 12 corridor, particularly near the North Clinton Street intersection. Based on the results of this study, the partnering agencies agreed to pursue building a tight-diamond interchange as the desired long-term solution for the Highway 12/Clinton Street intersection.

Following completion of the study, the Port of Walla Walla secured $6 million in federal Community Project Funding in 2024 to advance the Highway 12 and Clinton Interchange Project. These funds will support final design, construction documents, permitting, and right-of-way acquisition. Construction will proceed upon securing the remaining funding necessary to complete the project.

Timeline