Kitsap County has awarded the construction contract for the $9.296 million bridge replacement project at South Kitsap’s Harper Estuary.

“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, 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, per a county news release.

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 SK. The restoration will significantly improve habitat for salmon and other aquatic species while enhancing public access and long-term environmental resilience, per the release. Design highlights include improved stormwater treatment, pedestrian access across the bridge, and a small watercraft hand-launch on the northeast side of the bridge.

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.