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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2026
(Port Orchard, WA) - Kitsap County is beginning construction on the Harper Estuary Barrier Correction project in February. Construction was previously expected to begin in June 2026. However, due to contractor availability and alignment with the in-water fish window, the project start has been accelerated to Monday, February 2, 2026. Starting construction sooner allows this important project to be completed more quickly, reducing the overall duration of construction impacts to the community. The project is anticipated to be complete by late fall 2026.
A road closure is required for the entire duration of construction. On February 2, SE Olympiad Drive will be closed between SE Southworth Drive and Inlet Lane SE. A signed detour will direct all traffic and pedestrians to use SE Southworth Drive and Nokomis Road SE.
Kitsap County Departments of Community Development and Public Works are replacing an undersized three-foot culvert that blocks fish passage with a new 120-foot bridge to help restore Harper Estuary. The project also includes an ADA-compliant pedestrian access ramp and stormwater treatment improvements. The restoration will significantly improve habitat for salmon and other aquatic species while enhancing public access and long-term environmental resilience.
The public is invited to attend a community meeting on Tuesday, February 24 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Colby United Methodist Church (2881 Harvey Street SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366). Representatives from the Departments of Community Development, Parks, and Public Works, as well as from the contractor will be available to answer questions about the project.
What to Expect During Construction
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Construction begins February 2. SE Olympiad Drive will be closed between SE Southworth Drive and Inlet Lane SE. All traffic will use the signed detours on SE Southworth Drive and Nokomis Road SE.
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Night work: Contractor crews will work at night from February 12 through February 25, 2026 to complete early-phase activities. Residents can expect to hear noise during this time. This night time work is necessary as it must be completed during low tide.
- After February 15, standard work hours will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- One half of the parking lot at Harper Park will be blocked off and unavailable during the project for staging of the construction office and equipment.
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.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please use caution and stay out of all signed construction zone areas. This is for your safety and for the safety of the workers.
Project Location and Detour Route
Harper Estuary Bridge Rendering
Title VI
Kitsap County Department of Public Works Roads Division assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and as amended, and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.I. 100.259) be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the Washington State Department of Transportation. For more information visit our Title VI page.
Contact Information
Kitsap County Public Works, Roads Division, 360.337.5777 or [email protected]
Kimberly Pleger, Public Works Communications Manager, 360.337.5777, 360.277.6032 or [email protected]
Resources
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