WSDOT urges extra travel time on U.S. 730 as major paving delays near end
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, August 13th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA COUNTY — Motorists traveling on U.S. Route 730 near Wallula Junction experienced major traffic delays late last week and early this week as ongoing paving and repair work created backups far longer than the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) initially anticipated.
WSDOT and contractor crews began crack sealing and paving along U.S. 730 on July 22. The project covers the stretch of highway from the U.S. Route 12 Wallula Junction to the Oregon state line.
Traffic control measures currently require alternating single-lane traffic led by pilot cars. While state officials partnered with contractors aiming to keep delays under 20 minutes, traffic backups reached up to 45 minutes late last week and early this week.
WSDOT expects paving operations to wrap up this week. Once paving concludes, remaining work is expected to cause only minor disruptions without the current long delays.
In the meantime, officials are urging drivers to plan ahead and depart 20 to 30 minutes earlier than usual to reach their destinations on time. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. The overall pavement repair project is scheduled for completion in early September.
