Project overview
This project will replace the existing 6-foot concrete box culvert with a new 20-foot-wide fish passage structure under State Route 20, located between Coal Creek Lane and Hoehn Road (milepost 70), east of Sedro-Woolley. This upgrade is part of WSDOT’s ongoing efforts to improve fish passage and support the recovery of local fish populations.
What to expect
Contractor crews working on behalf of WSDOT will complete several tasks to improve this vital roadway and ensure the passage is safe for both wildlife and drivers. The work includes:
- Installation of a larger, buried fish passage structure to facilitate the movement of fish.
- Grading and laying new pavement.
- Adding pavement markings and guardrails for improved safety.
- Implementing temporary erosion control measures to protect the environment.
- Planting and landscaping to restore the area once construction is complete.
- Traffic control measures to safely manage work zone conditions.
These improvements will help restore vital fish habitats while enhancing the safety and longevity of the highway. Thank you for your patience as we work to make these important environmental and infrastructure upgrades.
During construction, travelers should expect an automated traffic light to alternate traffic through a single lane through the project area; additionally, flaggers will alternate traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily, Monday through Friday.
Traffic will shift for 15 days to a bypass road to support the install of the new, concrete culvert on Monday, Aug. 18.
The existing 6-foot culvert beneath SR 20 has become undersized and outdated. Replacing this culvert with a 20-foot-wide, fish-passable structure will help reduce flood risks and restore access to upstream habitat for migratory fish. Coal Creek is located in Skagit County near Sedro‐Woolley. The creek drains from Lyman Hill and flows into the Skagit River.
WSDOT has worked for many years to remove fish passage barriers. Twenty-one northwest Washington tribes asked the U.S. District Court to find that the State of Washington has a treaty-based duty to preserve fish runs. This project is part of the Whatcom and Skagit counties' fish passage 2030 delivery plan.