Walla Walla County moves forward to replace aging 1953 Five Mile Bridge

By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA — The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Monday to sign a project prospectus securing federal bridge replacement funds for the Five Mile Bridge.

The project carries an estimated total cost of approximately $5.5 million across all phases, primarily funded through the Federal Local Bridge Program. According to Public Works Engineer Joel Dickerson, county officials must complete their administrative paperwork to obligate the funds through the Washington State Department of Transportation by Sept. 30.

“This project also has completed the right-of-way phase and also has the plans, specs, and estimate ready to go,” Dickerson told commissioners. “So we are kind of just in time to finish our part and get it over to the state at the end of this month. Then by about the end of September, we hope to get that official approval for construction.”

Dickerson noted the construction phase is expected to require zero local match from the county. Construction is slated to begin in May 2027, with targeted completion by December 2027.

Located near Walla Walla on Five Mile Road near Titus Lane, the aging bridge was built in 1953 and requires full replacement due to deteriorating deck conditions. Following a brief document clarification, the board voted 3-0 to approve the prospectus.

Photo of Five Mile Bridge courtesy Walla Walla County Public Works