Updated: October 15, 2024

Project Update

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.

Upcoming work this fall includes in-person meetings with adjacent property owners, a coordination meeting with Columbia Walla Walla Railway and the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) for railroad crossing improvements near 14th Avenue, and initiation of the right-of-way phase, primarily for ADA compliance at the Poplar/9th intersection. 

Previous Information

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

On February 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 Oct. 4, the City met with WSDOT regarding the $1,554,800 application for PBP, and on Oct. 8, 2024, the City was awarded $1,675,000 for HSIP.

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.  Water and sewer lines will be replaced. Stormwater facilities will be improved to provide additional treatment and infiltration capacity.

Project Schedule

Design – beginning Fall 2023
Right of Way – 2024
Construction – currently planned for two phases depending on final design:

• Phase 1 – 5^th Avenue to 9^th Avenue on Poplar, tentatively scheduled in 2026.
• Phase 2 – 9^th Avenue to 14^th Avenue on Poplar, tentatively scheduled in 2027.

How will this project be funded?

The total project cost estimate is $15 million. The current projected funding breakdown is as follows; however, all construction funding is contingent upon additional grants.

• $8.2 M – Infrastructure Repair & Replacement Plan (IRRP)/Transportation Benefit District (TBD) - City of Walla Walla - Streets Funding
• $1.7 M – WSDOT/FHWA Highway Safety Improvement Program
• $1.6 M – WSDOT Pedestrian & Bicycle Program
• $1.6 M – Wastewater  (City of Walla Walla – Wastewater Utility)
• $1.6 M – Water  (City of Walla Walla – Water Utility)
• $322K – Washington Department of Ecology – Stormwater Design Grant