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Bridge work at SK’s Harper Estuary moved up to February

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, January 27, 2026

By Staff report

Kitsap County courtesy photo South Kitsap’s Harper Estuary.

Kitsap County courtesy photo

South Kitsap’s Harper Estuary.

Kitsap County announced it will begin construction on South Kitsap’s Harper Estuary Barrier Correction project in February, a few months sooner than it was initially expected to start.

The change in schedule is due to contractor availability and alignment with the in-water fish window. The project will begin Feb. 2 and is expected to be completed by late fall. Starting construction sooner allows the project to be completed more quickly, reducing the overall duration of construction impacts to the community, per a Kitsap County Facebook post.

A road closure is required for the entire duration of construction. On Feb. 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 improve habitat for salmon and other aquatic species while enhancing public access and long-term environmental resilience, per the county.

The public is invited to attend a community meeting Feb. 24 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Colby United Methodist Church (2881 Harvey Street SE, Port Orchard). 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

  • Night work: Contractor crews will work at night from Feb. 12-25 to complete early-phase activities. Residents can expect to hear noise during this time. This nighttime work is necessary as it must be completed during low tide, the county says.
  • After Feb. 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.
  • Access to driveways will be maintained throughout the project.
  • Emergency vehicles will be provided access at all times.

For more information, visit kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/Harper-Estuary.aspx

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