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1. How can I get my road on the list to be improved?

While the County Road Engineer utilizes a Level of Service (LOS) formula to plan and prioritize gravel road paving projects, the public can petition for a road to be paved. Every November, the County's 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is brought before the Board of County Commissioners and the general public in a public hearing to ratify the County's plan for road projects for the upcoming 6 years. The public is welcome to participate in this process in seeking their road(s) inclusion in the gravel road paving priority list. Call 509-574-2300 for information about how to obtain a road improvement petition.

6-Year TIP (PDF)

2. How do I get my company listed on the County small works roster?

Yakima County Public Services maintains a small works roster for public works contracts for construction, building, remodeling etc., with a dollar amount limit set by Washington State. Applications and current roster status can be obtained by contacting Yakima County Public Services at 509-574-2300. Small Works Roster (PDF)

3. How does the County determine which gravel roads get paved?

The prioritization and scheduling of paving gravel roads is under the direction of the County Road Engineer. Based on selected criteria (not limited to: daily traffic counts, surrounding development and zoning, safety concerns, and available funding; among others) gravel roads are included on the County's 6-Year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The TIP assists the County in planning and prioritizing County road projects within a financially constrained budget. 6-Year TIP (PDF)

4. I need to talk to the Engineer on my road improvement project, how do I contact them?

Depending on the issue in question, you may be directed to a specific division staff person to answer your road project question. Technical, engineering, or managerial staff will respond to your inquiry as quickly as possible. Please contact us at 509-574-2300.

5. I was told that our gravel road would be paved this year, but nothing has yet happened. Are you still paving our road?

Yakima County's Annual Road Construction Plan and 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) are the County's best tools in prioritizing and scheduling road projects. However, factors can delay planned projects as scheduled in these documents.

Delays in completing required permitting processes, acquiring right of way, contractor availability, securing adequate funding, and addressing last minute engineering issues can all delay the start of a project. Yakima County strives to keep affected road project stakeholders involved in project status updates.

6. Is our company on the County consultant roster?

Yakima County maintains an annually updated roster for professional consultant services of architects, biologists, engineers, land surveyors, and other to assist in developing County projects. Consultant candidates can contact Yakima County Public Services at 509-574-2300 for listing requirements and current roster status.

7. If I have questions regarding consultant agreements, who do I contact?

Questions regarding consultant agreements can be directed to 509-574-2300. Depending on the agreement issue, a contractor will be directed to the appropriate staff or division.

8. Is there a private company in Yakima County that dust abates private roads?

While it is Yakima County's policy not to specifically recommend private businesses, there are companies who may offer private dust abatement services. Please check the Yellow Pages or contact local contractors for potential firms.

9. How does a road improvement district work?

Road Improvement Districts (RIDs) are a voluntarily-imposed (voted) taxing authority on selected properties to generate revenue for a specific transportation project. In coordination with the County Road Engineer, an RID is placed on a special ballot for affected property owners to approve an assessment on their property taxes dedicated to funding the road project. Inquiries on creating an RID can be directed to the County Road Engineer at 509-574-2300.

10. Why can't my gravel road be paved?

Yakima County maintains nearly 570 miles of gravel roads throughout the County. Yearly, the County is able to pave 6-10 miles of gravel roads based on available funding sources. To minimize airborne dust on gravel roadways, the Road Maintenance Department also performs a one-time yearly dust abatement treatment on most gravel roads.

To find out when your gravel road may be dust abated or paved, contact our Road Maintenance Department at 509-574-2300.