This work was done under the direction of the State Highway Department and the entire cost was defrayed from County funds. The total cost to the County was $9,975.00. Oscar Cutler of the State Highway Department was resident engineer in charge.
Pendleton-Pilot Rock Section—Grading and Macadamizing
Upon the completion of the survey by the State Highway Department of the section of the Oregon-Washington Highway between Pendleton and Pilot Rock, the Umatilla County Court started grading. Where the construction is light the road grader was used to great advantage. Through the aid of the Division Office of the State Department new right-of-way was secured in some places and the alignment of the road naturally improved.
During September and October, 1918, the section between Pendleton and the County Poor Farm was graded and macadamized on a six per cent development over Grave Yard Hill. This work, both grading and macadamizing is of excellent character and will soon be opened to traffic. W. C. Crews, engineer for the State Department made the relocation on this section and was resident engineer during construction. The following is a statement showing quantities and total and unit costs:
| Item and quantity | Total cost | Unit cost | |
| Excavation, 4,795 cu. yds | $ 3,164.70 | $ .66 | |
| Gravel, 2,000 cu. yds | 2,600.00 | 1.30 | |
| Concrete Bridge | 1,600.00 | ||
| Total cost | $ 7,364.70 | ||
An additional four miles from the County Poor Farm south was graveled by the County with an expenditure of $2,000.00.
Survey of Columbia River Highway and Old Oregon Trail
During 1917 and 1918 the State Highway Department made a location survey over the entire east and west route across Umatilla County, excepting the six mile section between Pendleton and the Indian Agency. On this six miles a base line survey only was made.
The section of this road between the Morrow County Line and Pendleton is a part of the Columbia River Highway and has a total length of 40.5 miles. It passes through Umatilla, Hermiston, Stanfield, Echo and Reith. From Pendleton east the road is known as the Old Oregon Trail.
The survey in the east end of the County begins at the Umatilla Indian Agency, follows the general direction of the present road up Cabbage Hill, passes through Meacham and ends at the Union County Line near Kamela. A five per cent grade was secured on the Cabbage Hill climb. The total length of this section is 26.8 miles. R. H. Baldock and Oscar Cutler were the locating engineers on this work. The plans for this survey are practically complete.