PORT ORCHARD, Wash. — Kitsap County has reached a significant milestone in the long-awaited Harper Estuary Restoration Project, awarding the construction contract for the Harper Bridge replacement after more than two decades of planning, study, and community engagement.

“After more than 20 years of planning and community engagement, the Harper Estuary project is becoming a reality,” said Kitsap County Commissioner Oran Root. “Thanks to multiple state and grant funding sources, this investment restores a vital estuary while preserving access for the community.”

On Dec. 8, 2025, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Scarsella Bros., Inc., to construct a new bridge at Harper Estuary. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with bridge construction expected to be finished by January 2027. Overall project completion is anticipated by April 2027.

The project will replace an undersized three-foot culvert that currently blocks fish passage with a 120-foot bridge, restoring tidal flow and reconnecting a high-priority estuary in South Kitsap. The restoration will significantly improve habitat for salmon and other aquatic species while enhancing public access and long-term environmental resilience.

Project Background and Community Engagement

Kitsap County hosted a Harper Estuary Community Meeting on Jan. 28, 2025, providing updates on project progress, funding, bridge construction plans, and park use. Staff from the Department of Community Development, Public Works, and Parks were available to answer questions and gather community input. Presentation materials from that meeting remain available online.

A public meeting is planned for February 2026 to share details about traffic impacts, park access, and the construction timeline. Additional information will be released in the new year.

Final Design Highlights

The final bridge design includes:

• Improved stormwater treatment
• Pedestrian access across the bridge
• A small watercraft hand-launch on the northeast side of the bridge

Artistic renderings and final design plans are available on the project webpage.

Funding Secured: $9.296 million

The Harper Estuary Restoration Project is fully funded through a combination of federal, state, and local sources:

• $6.84 million — Promoting Resilient Operation for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program (Federal)
• $1.456 million — Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board (State)
• $1 million— Kitsap County REET 2 (Local)

Construction Schedule

• Construction period: June 2026-January 2027
• Anticipated project completion: April 2027

Stay Informed

Project updates will be shared through the Harper Estuary project webpage and email notifications. Community members are encouraged to subscribe to GovDelivery to receive the latest updates.

For questions or comments, please contact [email protected] or call 360.337.5777.