2025 Howard IRRP - Juniper to Bryant Water, Sewer & Road Improvements

Updated: July 31, 2024

2025 HOWARD IRRP

Project Update

Design is scheduled to be complete in fall 2024 with construction in 2025.

On August 11, 2023, a grant application was submitted to the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) for Urban Arterial Program (UAP) construction funding. PBS Engineering and Environmental was awarded a professional services contract on August 16, 2023, to provide the project design. On December 1, 2023, the city was notified of an award in the amount of $1,110,000 in TIB construction funding. Design is progressing and on schedule.

What is this project going to accomplish?

The project includes full roadway and utility replacements on Howard Street from Juniper Street to Bryant Avenue. A mini roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of East Chestnut Street and Howard Street. Bicycle and pedestrian improvements will be included in the roadway construction.

6.27.24 Howard V3

How will this project be funded?

The project is funded primarily by water and sewer rates associated with the Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Program (IRRP). The City has received a Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) Urban Arterial Program (UAP) grant in the amount of $1.11M. The current total project cost estimate is $4M.

Howard Street Today

Howard Street is 48 feet wide from curb to curb, with on-street parking and bike lanes.
Behind the curb, the corridor contains separated sidewalks with intermittent landscape strips comprised of grass, shrubs, and power poles. There are also trees within the landscape strip in several areas.
Intersections within the project limits include Locust Street, Chestnut Street, and Maple Street.
All three intersections are offset — meaning they do not match up in a straight line — between the east and west sides of Howard Street.
Chestnut Street and Howard Street are minor arterials that carry more traffic. Locust Street and Maple Street are local access residential streets.

Planned Improvements and Benefits

Full roadway and utility replacements on Howard Street from Juniper Street to Bryant Avenue will address aging infrastructure.

A mini roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of East Chestnut Street and Howard Street to align Chestnut Street on both sides of Howard Street for greater efficiency and safety.

Anticipated Timing

Design: Summer 2023 – Fall 2024
Right of Way: Spring 2024 – Winter2024
Public Engagement: Summer 2024
Construction: 2025

What public participation opportunities exist?

Residents, partners, and community members are invited to attend this virtual open house, as well as attend City Council workshops and meetings, in person or online.
The project team has been providing continual updates to the City of Walla Walla’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), which includes a representative from the Walla Walla/Columbia County Accessible Communities Advisory Committee.
The City mailed a letter to residents in the immediate project area, introducing the project, inviting them to participate in the virtual open house, and providing contact information for the project staff.

Why are we building a roundabout?

The Howard Street and East Chestnut Street intersection failed to meet City operating standards during analysis in 2016. In 2021, an Intersection Improvements Alternative Analysis (that is, a thorough assessment of possible solutions based on cost, safety, and other metrics) was completed by PBS Engineering and Environmental.

Two design concepts — a roundabout and a realigned intersection with a new traffic signal — were proposed as design alternatives that meet City operating standards and mitigate safety concerns. A roundabout was recommended due to its safer and better operational benefits.

City Council approved the roundabout design concept in November 2021 based on the alternatives analysis. In 2023, a peer review of the roundabout design was performed by a separate consultant, Reid-Middleton and Associates, which reaffirmed the roundabout alternative and further refined the specific roundabout design elements.

How will cyclists navigate the intersection?

How will the changes affect pedestrians?

The project will improve pedestrian safety and accessibility by removing all significant sidewalk tripping hazards and installing cement concrete ADA ramps throughout the project limits. The compact roundabout will receive striped crosswalks and include truncated domes within the splitter islands. Conduit and electrical junction boxes will be installed in preparation for Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) if they become warranted in the future.

Couldn't the grant money be used to repair or replace other streets?

How will parking be affected in the area?

The proposed design at the Chestnut/Howard intersection will feature curb bulb-outs and roadway delineation changes, which aim to slow vehicle speeds before entering the roundabout and reduce the pedestrian crossing distance across the intersection. Both of these features will enhance safety. As a result of these curb bulb-outs and roadway delineation changes, 18 on-street parking stalls will be removed. The primary advantage of this project lies in its safety and traffic flow improvements.

HowardStreetIRRP_RoundAboutParkingLossExhibit-R1 (003)