PORT ORCHARD – People who use State Route 16 near Port Orchard in Kitsap County will now see orange construction signs. The signs signal the start of the latest project to remove barriers to fish under state highways.
On Friday, Sept. 15, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation began work at Blackjack Creek, which is located at the interchange of SR 16 and Southeast Sedgwick Road (SR 160).
At SR 16, three 8-foot by 9-foot box culverts blocking fish passage will be replaced with two 80-foot bridges. These new bridges will combine the highway and ramps onto a single structure in each direction.
This project also includes culvert replacement at Salmonberry Creek on SR 160. At that location, a 60-foot long, 48-inch diameter pipe arch will be replaced with a 25-foot bridge structure. This portion of the project includes a 45-day closure of SR 160, which is currently scheduled for the summer of 2026. This date is tentative and subject to change.
About our fish passage program
Construction is part of WSDOT’s program to remove barriers to fish under state highways.
SR 16 at this interchange has undersized culverts that act as barriers to fish. When work is complete, Blackjack Creek and Salmonberry Creek will flow freely under new bridges. Crews also will realign Blackjack creek to include more bends and curves, which are better for fish habitat.
Travelers can receive email updates about roadwork on state highways in Kitsap County. Real-time information is available via the WSDOT app and WSDOT Travel Center Map.