Planning study news
In June 2024, WSDOT began a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study to look at State Routes (SR) 3, 16, 166 and 304 in the Gorst area. This study evaluates a range of alternatives that improve transportation for all roadway users.
Key study partners, including tribes, state, local, and federal agencies, and community members, will be invited to review and share input on the recommended alternatives. WSDOT expects to complete the alternatives evaluation process in early 2026. After the PEL study is complete, recommended alternative(s) will move into the environmental review process.
Purpose
WSDOT and study partners defined the study’s purpose as:
- Mobility: Improve person throughput and reduce congestion and delay for all vehicle modes.
- Safety Performance: Improve existing safety performance in terms of fatal and serious injury crashes and promote designs with fewer conflicts and greater separation for vulnerable roadway users.
- Active Transportation: Provide active transportation access with connections to local active transportation facilities.
- System Resiliency: Implement a resilient design that supports anticipated future travel demand growth.
Mobility on SR 3 and SR 16 in Gorst is significant for the entire region. Each highway is important for matters of national security. Both state highways are the only land-based route to the Kitsap Peninsula and experience congestion. The key routes are susceptible to liquefaction due to potential earthquakes. There also is the potential for issues related to flooding.
The SR 3 Gorst Planning and Environmental Linkages Study includes meeting with the Federal Highway Administration, tribal nations, specifically the Suquamish and Skokomish Tribes, advisory groups, businesses, and the community.
WSDOT received $82.5 million from Move Ahead Washington funds for the design and right of way phases. There is currently no funding for construction.
Community engagement
WSDOT is committed to keeping community members informed and engaged during the SR 3 Gorst Area PEL Study. Through various community engagement strategies, WSDOT will determine a community and partner-informed decision on a recommended alternative or range of alternatives to study in a NEPA environmental review.
Tribal consultation
The Suquamish Tribe and Skokomish Indian Tribe are vital study partners. They provide guidance to the study team on the development and evaluation of early design concepts. Our tribal partners inform us on cultural resources, historical sites, and land and fishing rights. They are also invited to attend our Technical and Executive Advisory Committees.
Community partner interviews
In October 2024, we held six listening sessions with community groups. Read a summary of these listening sessions (PDF 1.2MB).
Pop-up events
On February 21, 2025, we hosted two community pop-up events. Members of the study team shared materials to introduce the study, shared the draft Purpose and Need statement and range of design concepts and gathered input from the community. The pop-ups were hosted at:
- Coffee Oasis, 822 Burwell Street, Bremerton, from 10 a.m. to noon
- Silver City Brewery Taproom, 206 Katy Penman Ave., Bremerton, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Open houses
Online open house
An online open house was held from Feb. 19 to March 11, 2025. The online open house covered a draft Purpose and Need statement and a draft range of alternatives for SR 3 in Gorst and the surrounding area.
In-person open house
An in-person open house was held on Feb. 26, 2025 at Naval Avenue Elementary School in Bremerton. The open house gave 110 attendees the opportunity to view the draft Purpose and Need statement and range of design concepts and have conversations with our study team.
Business owner outreach
The study team is engaging local businesses in the Gorst area throughout the PEL study. In spring 2025, we hosted two information sessions and conducted a survey to collect feedback on early design concepts. In November 2025, we provided a meeting and survey for business owners to share updated Level 2 designs, ask about driveway access and collect input on safety and business visibility preferences.
View the Business Outreach Summary (PDF 460KB)
Advisory groups
WSDOT has three advisory groups during the PEL study: a community, executive and technical advisory group. Video recordings, meeting summaries and presentation slides are listed below.
The Community Advisory Group (CAG) is made up of representatives from community-based organizations, local businesses and institutions, and people with lived experience of travelling in the study area. The CAG will inform the study by sharing input, providing perspective on community values and priorities, and helping share information with community members.
The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is made up of representatives from resource agencies and public works planning staff. The TAG will support data evaluation and contribute to the development and screening of design concepts.
The Executive Advisory Group (EAG) is made up of elected leaders or similar representatives that also have representation on the TAG. The EAG will inform the study from a policy and governance perspective and represent potential concerns and considerations from their constituents.
