Four-laning project from Walla Walla to Tri-Cities nears half-way point

As many as 200 local residents, dignitaries and elected officials took part in the July, 2010 celebration that marked the opening of the newest section of U.S. Highway 12 that added eight miles of divided four-lane highway to the ongoing project. According to Washington Department of Transportation officials some 18 miles of improvement are completed, with 21 miles remaining.
Paul Schneidmiller, Port of Walla Walla commissioner, had high praise for U.S. Senator Patty Murray, U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers and members of the U.S. Highway 12 Coalition for their efforts in generating state and federal support for the project. According to Schneidmiller, the bulk of funding for the $56 million project - $42.5 million - came from state money generated by the 2003 and 2005 gas tax packages. Another $13.3 million came from federal funds and local contributions totaled $160,000.
The next step is the construction of the $29.5 million Burbank interchange at the U.S. 12 / State Route 124 intersection.