Bucklin Hill Bridge and Estuary Enhancement Silverdale, Washington

Kitsap County wanted to build more than just a bridge. Bucklin Hill Road was an increasingly busy two-lane arterial in Silverdale that crossed the Clear Creek estuary. For many years, the County sought to widen the road and replace its two 72-inch culverts with a bridge to improve fish passage and restore the natural estuary habitat. In leading the design, Otak also prepared environmental documentation and coordinated significant permitting.

Eliminating Traffic Congestion and Fish Barriers

A decades-long goal was achieved in designing a 240-foot four-lane bridge and widened road that improves traffic and creates fish passage for the region’s endangered salmon populations. Using an integrated approach, the design team worked with County staff, local businesses, and Silverdale residents to make the bridge part of the community, implementing new lighting, scenic overlooks, bike lanes and trail connections. The design raises the road to allow clearance for the estuary and in doing so also provides much better grades along the corridor for pedestrians, including at curb ramps. Construction accounted for staging issues related to working in a tidal zone, road closures and traffic impacts, and the relocation of nine utilities, including a major telecommunications line in completing this vital connection for the community.