New state Route 16 bridge is set to open. Here’s how it’s going to affect drivers
One of two new bridges coming to state Route 16 is set to open Tuesday, Aug. 15. It comes with a traffic shift.
In an effort to improve the fish habitat in Purdy Creek, the Washington State Department of Transportation identified three culvert barriers to be removed near Gig Harbor.
Two are under state Route 16. Work began in the fall of 2022 to remove them.
These two culverts are between mile post 17 and 18, where the creek meets state Route 16.
They are both 40-year-old fish barriers, being replaced with large bridge structures that are 206 feet long to improve the fish habitat in the creek, Angela Cochran, a communications consultant for WSDOT previously told the Gateway.
Crews have finished the first bridge. Starting Aug. 15, drivers will be able to use it.
“With this work complete, SR 16 westbound lanes from Gig Harbor to Port Orchard can be shifted off the center of the highway and onto the new bridge,” according to a July 31 WSDOT press release.
The second bridge for eastbound traffic is up next. WSDOT expects things to be finished by fall 2024.
Progress on the rest of the project
WSDOT will also remove a third old culvert barrier in Purdy Creek under state Route 302 (Purdy Drive) that is challenging for fish to swim through.
Crews began to replace the old culvert with a new 77-foot-long bridge structure in April.
“The SR 302 Spur remains closed between Purdy Lane Northwest and 144th Street Northwest,” the press release said. “Earlier this month, crews finished installing the piers for the bridge that will replace the culvert under the road.”
Work is expected to be complete by the end of the year, according to the press release.
Correction: This story has been updated to correct the opening date of the bridge. WSDOT now expects the bridge to open Tuesday, Aug. 15.
This story was originally published August 13, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
