KINGSTON — Kitsap County Public Works recently announced that the completion of the West Kingston Bridge will be delayed until March 2018.

Kitsap County Public Works Director Andrew Nelson said Oct. 25 at a transportation forum that the project had encountered numerous obstacles which will delay completion of the project, initially slated for December. In the meantime, the portion of NE West Kingston Road will remain closed until the project is completed.

Kitsap County Public Works reported that the project has encountered buried wood pilings and associated contaminated material, as well as labor and materials shortages. These factors all worked to slow down the project and, with the approaching winter months, a decision has been made to postpone completion until fair weather permits for paving.

Once completed, the new West Kingston bridge will replace a small culvert with a two-span, 150-foot bridge, restoring tidal function to the Carpenter Creek Estuary, enhancing fish passage and widening the stream channel. It will also include a five-foot walking path and bike lane.

To learn more about the project or sign up for electronic notifications, go to bit.ly/WKingston.