Walla Walla County’s Road Edge Repair & Widening Drives State Award

Olympia, WA – Walla Walla County’s Road Edge Repair & Widening Drives State Award

Award-winning lane widening project boosts safety and cuts costs.

Walla Walla County is paving the way toward safer roads and smarter spending.

Washington State Association of Counties has recognized its Innovative Road Edge Repair & Widening Program as a Project of Impact. It’s a milestone in the county’s journey toward long-term infrastructure sustainability.

For years, narrow lanes meant drivers passing too close together, shoulders breaking down, and repair crews retracing the same stretch of road several times a year.

With agriculture and trucking as the backbone of the economy, the road ahead demanded a fresh approach.

Engineering a Smarter Fix

Walla Walla County engineers took the wheel with a streamlined process that widens lanes by up to two feet and adds a fog stripe—all in one pass.

Rather than patching potholes, the effort charts a new course. By combining tasks into a single moving operation, crews save time, materials, and effort while delivering a sturdier edge that can withstand heavy loads without cracking. The fog stripe acts like a guidepost, helping motorists stay safely in their lane and off the gravel shoulder.

Developed in 2024 and already in use across county truck routes, the program is now a permanent part of Walla Walla’s roadwork strategy and a model for other rural counties.

Driving Safety and Savings

The impact is clear:

• Safety first. Drivers now have more room, reducing close calls and keeping wheels on solid ground.
• Lower costs down the road. For a $95,000 equipment investment and custom modification of the road widener, the payoff is an expected one-third reduction in annual maintenance expenses. 
• Efficiency gains. One smooth pass of the equipment eliminates multiple repair trips, keeping crews moving forward rather than circling back.
• Sustainable journey. Wider, stronger roads mean fewer repairs in the years ahead, freeing resources for other priorities.

By significantly reducing the need for recurring edge and shoulder maintenance, this innovation extends the lifespan of the county’s roads and may eliminate the need for intervention for several years. And wider roads qualify for more funding, adding to cost-effectiveness.

Be sure to check out the photos from the Awards Lunch here!

About WSAC

The Washington State Association of Counties represents all 39 counties, advocating for local solutions and celebrating innovation that strengthens communities.

Media Contact

Mitch Netzer
Senior Manager, Business Development & Communications
mnetzer@wsac.org | 360.485.8549