Walla Walla — Following a consultant speed study and a public hearing with multiple residents, the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners on Monday agreed on a draft plan to change several posted speed limits on Old Highway 12 and directed county engineers to prepare a formal code amendment.

Joel Dickerson, county engineer, summarized Public Works’ recommendation: “our recommendation is for the areas marked in yellow ... recommend raising that back to 60 miles an hour,” he said, referring to long, straight sections outside town centers. Dickerson also proposed keeping existing 40 mph zones in the communities of Tusche (Tuschee) and Loudoun and lowering speeds to 50 mph through the Frenchtown area because of increased driveway activity and winery traffic.

During the hearing several residents urged restoring 60 mph on long rural stretches. Darren Goebel, a farmer who lives along Old Highway 12, said the straight segments are safer and are used by agricultural traffic; Aaron Schafer and Diane Harris (representing herself and her husband) also spoke in favor of the recommended changes. Sheryl Sizer, a longtime resident, said flashing pedestrian crossing lights near schools have made crossings safer and supported the 60 mph stretches.

Commissioners debated several technical options proposed by the consultant and Public Works, including short “step‑down” zones that would have dropped speeds briefly to 50 mph before reaching a 35 mph town center. Commissioners said those short step‑down zones add signage complexity and enforcement difficulty; the board favored a simpler pattern with fewer transitions.

By consensus the board directed staff to prepare an ordinance reflecting these main points: set long rural sections (Section A) to 60 mph; retain 40 mph through Tusche and Loudoun (not the 35 mph proposal); eliminate the proposed short step‑down zones into Tusche; and reduce speeds to 50 mph from the Frenchtown marker through Heritage Road/Detour area. Commissioners also asked Public Works to pursue speed feedback signs and crossing beacons as separate safety projects and to work with law enforcement on enforcement strategy.

Joel Dickerson said Public Works will clarify a short 35 mph approach near the New Highway 12 interchange before the ordinance is submitted. The board closed the public hearing and asked county staff to return with a drafted code change to Walla Walla County Code Chapter 10.04 for formal action at a future meeting.