Anderson Hill overpass project may be completed this summer.

Today’s road closure is a huge step forward for two Central Kitsap High School students looking to beautify the area.

Rising juniors Victoria Cartwright and Laura Fedorko began planning the Anderson Hill overpass project a while ago and now their vision looks like it will become a reality before the summer ends.

Cartwright and Fedorko plan to paint a wildlife mural on the graffiti-covered Anderson Hill overpass in Silverdale. The section of road is closed from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. today while Team Innovative Services and JR Home Services crews volunteer their time to pressure wash the structure to remove loose debris and prepare it for painting.

“I was really excited when we drove by the sign saying the road was going to be closed,” Cartwright said. “That was pretty exciting.”

It’s been a long road for Cartwright and Fedorko. The teens began planning the project last summer. They mailed a letter to a Navy captain to ask permission to paint the overpass because the structure is operated by the Navy as part of Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. The captain told them they needed to obtain a sponsor, among other things.

That’s where Clear Creek Task Force Co-chair Tex Lewis stepped in.

“I actually think I saw the article in the Reporter and thought ‘that’s something I’d like to help with,’” he said. “I was really delighted to see them pick up on this.”

Cartwright and Fedorko initially didn’t realize what all was involved in the project. Lewis and the teens are working closely with the Navy and the county to ensure the project gets done.

“People take a lot of pride in how things look. It just kind of reflects on the community,” Lewis said.

“Everyone who lives here recognizes that overpass,” Cartwright added. “It’s a symbol, but I think it could be a better one.”

The Naval Base Kitsap First Class Petty Officers Association cleared brush and moss from around the overpass Thursday and other volunteers cleaned up the structure yesterday to prepare for today’s pressure washing.

Lewis is delighted that the community supports this project and the two teenagers behind it.

“I think that the marvelous thing about this is it took a couple young ladies to do this,” Lewis said.

Cartwright said the group hopes to begin painting in early August, when Fedorko returns from vacation.

“We’re not exactly sure. Hopefully it’s the beginning of August,” she said.

“We definitely want to get it done this summer,” Lewis added.

Parker Paint of Silverdale is donating the primer and some paint for the project, but Cartwright said they still need supplies and more volunteers to paint.

They need adult volunteers and a certified painter who can paint above 10 feet. Cartwright said they also are looking for an artist, preferably an experienced muralist, to finalize the design.

To donate time, money or supplies for the Anderson Hill overpass project, e-mail Cartwright or Fedorko at climbervic@wavecable.com or lauraafedorko@wavecable.com.