Public Works

COVID-19 Status
County offices are now open. Departments will control distancing and procedures in their own public spacesAppointments are recommended but not required.



The Department of Public Works consists of 65 full-time employees who are responsible for providing road maintenance, transfer station, motor pool and administrative operations primarily in the unincorporated portions of Adams County.
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Clicking on the image above will open a pdf of the organizational chart.

Speed Limits in Adams County pdf (415KB)
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Cities and counties in Washington State are required to follow the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), primarily Chapter 46.61, to establish speed limits within their jurisdictions. The law requires speed limits to be set by resolution on the basis of an engineering and traffic survey. For more information: RCW 46.61.400 and RCW 46.61.415.

Water on Roadways pdf (203KB)
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The county road network is the largest infrastructure in the county. Maintenance of county roads includes preventative measures such as authoritative codes that are aimed at protecting the road infrastructure. According to Adams County Code 12.04.060, no irrigation water is permitted on the traveled portion of any county roadway or on any county road right-of-way. The fine is $500 for each separate offense, plus damages to the county.

Todd O'Brien, P.E., Director
210 W. Alder Ritzville, WA 99169
Phone: (509) 659-3276