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County Road Standards

This page provides information on county road standards in Washington State, including legal requirements and examples of local standards.


Overview

Counties are required to adopt uniform definitions and design standards for county roads (RCW 36.86.070-.080). These standards, along with standards for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, are set by a state design standards committee pursuant to chapter 43.32 RCW, in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

These uniform design standards apply to all new construction within the county primary road system, as well as reconstruction of old roads as far as practicable and feasible. No deviation from the adopted design standards may be made without the approval of the WSDOT state aid engineer.

The County Road Administration Board (CRAB) sets administrative standards and provides oversight for the county road departments of each of the 39 counties.


State Design Standards

Below are local agency design standards and other resources from WSDOT and the City and County Design Standards committees.


Examples of County Road Standards

The following are selected examples of road standards from Washington counties.


Recommended Resources


Last Modified: January 20, 2023