Illahee Road Open to Traffic

(Port Orchard, WA) – Traffic is flowing again over the portion of Illahee Road lost in last December’s storm. While there is still some ancillary work to be done, the road was opened to traffic this afternoon. “It’s been a challenging project, I know it’s been very inconvenient for area residents, and we appreciate their patience during the repairs ,” said Josh Brown, Central Kitsap County Commissioner.

The record setting storm washed out a hole 120 feet across and 45 feet deep December 3, 2007. Public Works officials went to work immediately designing the replacement culvert. Construction began in August, and took about 40 working days to complete. Over 18,000 cubic yards of material was needed to fill the hole left when the road washed away during the storm. The new culvert is a fish-friendly passage 10-foot diameter corrugated metal pipe. The culvert was backfilled with streambed gravel and boulders to enhance fish passage. The project was completed by RV & Associates of Port Orchard and cost $591,000.

Commissioner Brown will host a public community celebration next Thursday, October 23rd at 10:00 a.m. Brown, community members and Public Works officials are scheduled to speak during the ceremony. Traffic will be restricted to one lane during the ceremony.

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To contact the Public Information Officer, 
call Doug Bear at 360-337-4598 or email: dbear@co.kitsap.wa.us