Shape the future of US 12: Walla Walla launches public planning for new interchange
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — The city of Walla Walla and the Port of Walla Walla have announced the launch of the public planning phase for the upcoming Highway 12 and North Clinton Street Interchange Project, inviting community members to shape the future of the local transit corridor.
Local officials will host an open house on Thursday, July 16, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Green Park Elementary School Library, located at 1105 E. Isaacs Ave. The drop-in style event is designed to give residents a first look at proposed intersection improvements and gather crucial public feedback.
Staff members will be stationed at information displays to answer questions, explain the project’s parameters, and collect community input. The joint effort between the city and port aims to refine the interchange’s blueprint, as planning and design are currently underway.
The project will address traffic and safety at the busy intersection of Highway 12 and North Clinton Street. Community feedback from this initial meeting, alongside a planned second open house, will directly guide the finalized design. Officials noted that while design work is moving forward, actual construction will proceed only after the necessary funding has been fully secured.
Residents who are unable to attend the in-person meeting can review all project materials and submit feedback online. The digital forum and informational portal will be active from July 16 through July 30 at https://www.gowallawalla.us/current-projects/us12-clinton.
Photo courtesy the city of Walla Walla
