Maintaining Our Roads: 2026-27 Priorities Released

Washington County has released the Draft Road Maintenance Program for FY 2026-27 and is seeking public comments from April 3 through May 3. Community members are encouraged to participate in the online open house to review planned maintenance activities and share feedback.

Road maintenance is a core public service that affects daily travel across the county. Smooth pavement, functional drainage, and clear vegetation contribute to safer, more reliable access for residents, businesses, emergency services, school routes, and visitors. Community insight helps the County prioritize maintenance based on real‑world experiences.

“We want our community to feel heard when it comes to their road maintenance needs,” said Todd Watkins, Operations Division Manager for Washington County Land Use & Transportation. “Their feedback helps us understand what’s working, what needs attention, and where maintenance matters most.”

The annual Road Maintenance Program outlines scheduled work to maintain the County’s transportation network efficiently and cost-effectively. Proposed activities for FY 2026-27 include pavement preservation, vegetation management, drainage improvements, gravel road stabilization, and other work performed by County crews and contractors.

Highlights of the draft program include:

80+ miles of Road Surface Improvements

• 28 miles of gravel road surface stabilization
• 10 miles of paving performed by LUT crews
• 13 miles of chip seal
• 8.3 miles of contracted paving
• 3.2 miles of contracted paving for the Urban Road Maintenance District
• 18.3 miles of contracted slurry seal treatments

Drainage and Culvert Replacements

• 2 major culvert replacements - 331st Avenue and Schmeltzer Road
• 16 culvert replacements by LUT crews

Roadside and Safety Maintenance

• 1,700 miles of vegetation trimming
• 135 miles of roadway sweeping

Public input plays an essential role in shaping the final program. Comments will help staff refine maintenance priorities and finalize the project list before it is submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for action.

Residents can explore the draft program, view maps and maintenance tables, and submit comments through the online open house until May 3.

Explore the Draft Program