Correcting fish passage barriers is an important part of the state's efforts to protect and restore fish runs negatively affected by outdated culverts under state highways.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, bull trout and steelhead.
Replacing the outdated culverts with new full-span bridges and fish passable structures will barriers and increase the likelihood of migration through the channel. Fish will be able to pass through both creeks easier as the water will be slower and the bridges will span of a more natural creek environment.
Field biologists last observed steelhead salmon in 2016 at the site, and it wasn't since 2013 that coho salmon were witnessed passing through the channels. In late fall 2021, biologists observed several adult chinook salmon who had returned to Siebert Creek, with numbers expected to grow.
This project was completed on time and on budget for $36 million.
Financial Data for PIN 310104F, 310198G |
Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$0 |
2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$0 |
Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$35,284 |
CWA |
$563 |
Total |
$35,847 |
|
Learn how WSDOT is improving fish passage across Washington State.
View construction progress photos.
Watch a video of fish returning to Siebert Creek with construction mostly complete.