2025 Myra Road South Extension Project

Updated: Oct. 2, 2024

Project Update

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

Anticipated Timeline:

Dates

Project Cost: $13 million

How will this project be funded?
The City has submitted a grant request for a $2.5 million Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant and an application for a $10 million Public Works Board (PWB) loan. In May 2024, Walla Walla City Council also established a Tax Increment Area (TIA) to generate the 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.