GIG HARBOR – Nighttime travelers on westbound State Route 16 from Gig Harbor to Port Orchard will want to plan for delays at the end of April. Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close westbound SR 16 and detour travelers to SR 302.
Overnight closure schedule
- 10 p.m. Friday, April 28, until 7 a.m., Saturday, April 29.
- 10 p.m. Saturday, April 29, until 8:30 a.m., Sunday, April 30.
The closure is needed to deliver and place six concrete bridge girders that are each more than 200 feet long. The new bridge on westbound SR 16 is part of a project that increases access to fish habitat for Purdy Creek.
Overnight closure details
- Westbound SR 16 will close at the exit for SR 302 to Purdy.
- Flaggers will direct travelers through the detour using the SR 302 Spur/Purdy Drive, Purdy Lane Northwest and 144th Street Northwest.
- Commercial vehicles will be accommodated through the detour.
- Eastbound SR 16 will remain open.
Why this is needed
The size of the concrete bridge girders and the equipment needed to place them require closing both westbound lanes at the work zone near Purdy Creek. The concrete girders are the backbone of the new 206-foot-long bridge structure on westbound SR 16. The bridge will replace outdated culverts under the highway that are difficult for fish to navigate. Crews are currently building the westbound bridge. Work to build the eastbound SR 16 bridge over Purdy Creek will begin later this summer.
Improving fish passage
The construction is part of WSDOT’s program to improve fish habitat under state highways. Purdy Creek is home to native fish species including juvenile Chinook, coho and chum salmon. Adult and juvenile steelhead, coastal cutthroat and sculpin also live in the creek and nearby Burley Lagoon.
Work zone safety
People need to keep an eye out for crews during this work to help ensure their safety as well as that of all travelers. Whenever near work zones:
- Slow down – drive the posted speeds, they're there for safety.
- Be kind –workers are out there helping to keep people safe and improve the roadways.
- Pay attention – both to workers providing directions and surrounding traffic; put the phone down when behind the wheel.
- Stay calm – expect delays, leave early or take alternate routes if possible; no meeting or appointment is work risking someone’s life.
Travelers can find the latest information about highway closures on the WSDOT app and the WSDOT statewide travel map.