Project news

• This project is complete. Crews completed minor fencing work early summer.
   

Why is WSDOT replacing the culvert under State Route 112?
WSDOT installed a new box culvert under SR 112 to improve fish habitat in Nordstrom Creek. Replacing the culvert makes the stream more maneuverable for migrating fish, extending usable habitat.

This work is part of WSDOT's Fish Passage Barrier Removal Program, which identifies and removes barriers to fish passage caused by culverts under state highways.

In 2013, a federal court injunction required the state to significantly increase the state's efforts in removing state-owned culverts that block habitat for salmon and steelhead.

WSDOT has a responsibility to be a good environmental steward. This culvert runs under a state highway. It was replaced to eliminate the barrier it posed to fish.

The End Result
This new structure opens up approximately 3 miles of habitat for fish passage in Nordstrom Creek.

In addition, the work helps preserve the integrity of the highway and reduce maintenance costs by reducing or eliminating the possibility of the blockages.

Needs & benefits

This project replaced an outdated culvert that is a barrier for fish with a culvert that is built wider than the existing stream channel. The new culvert and restored creek channel simulates what is found in a natural stream bed.

Timeline

• Summer 2017 - Construction begins.
• Fall 2017 - Project complete.

Funding

Amount ($ in thousands)

• Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) $2,312
• Total $2,312