Plan extra time to travel detour route between Port Orchard and Gig Harbor
PURDY – Nighttime and early morning travelers on State Route 16 through Purdy will want to plan extra time the last weekend of February. All eastbound lanes and one westbound lane will close over two nights so workers can set support beams for a new bridge.
9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 to 7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 to 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 25
- All eastbound lanes of SR 16 will close at the SR 302 exit.
- All eastbound travelers will detour via the SR 302 Spur/Purdy Drive.
- Westbound SR 16 will reduce to one lane from 144th Street Northwest to the SR 302 on-ramp.
Travelers are encouraged to add at least 10 minutes of travel time to get through the detour.
Why the closure is necessary
Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will deliver and place six concrete bridge girders that are each more than 200 feet long. The new bridge on eastbound SR 16 is part of a project to remove barriers to fish in Purdy Creek.
The size of the concrete bridge girders and the equipment needed to place them require closing all eastbound lanes. The left westbound lane will also close so the trucks carrying the girders can access the work zone.
The concrete girders are the backbone of the new 206-foot-long bridge. The westbound bridge was completed late last summer. The bridges replace an outdated culvert under the highway that is a barrier to fish.
Improving fish passage
The construction is part of WSDOT’s program to improve fish habitat under state highways. Purdy Creek is home to native fish species including juvenile Chinook, coho and chum salmon. Adult and juvenile steelhead, coastal cutthroat and sculpin also live in the creek and nearby Burley Lagoon.
Work zone safety
People need to keep an eye out for crews during this work to help ensure their safety as well as that of all travelers. Whenever near work zones:
- Slow down – drive the posted speeds, they're there for safety.
- Be kind – workers are out there helping to keep people safe and improve the roadways.
- Pay attention – both to workers providing directions and surrounding traffic; put the phone down when behind the wheel.
- Stay calm – expect delays, leave early or take alternate routes if possible; no meeting or appointment is work risking someone’s life.
Travelers can find the latest information about highway closures on the WSDOT app and the WSDOT statewide travel map.