Frequently Asked Questions


Why not consider installing larger culverts instead of the bridge?
The concept that we have proposed is based on a 10% conceptual design from the Puget Sound Nearshore and Estuary Program (PSNERP). This study recommended that for full habitat restoration to occur, a bridge spanning the entire causeway footprint was the most effective solution. We and our funders seek to maximize restoration so are moving forward with a 450’ bridge.

It doesn’t take a strong storm surge for debris to overtop the current causeway. Will the new bridge height be considered for storm surges and sea level rise?
Storm surges and sea level rise will be investigated and considered during the design process. NOSC and design engineers envision a bridge that will hold up to strong storms as well as sea level rise, and the Washington Department of Transportation will own the bridge and will ensure that it is up to their standards of safety which include storm and sea level rise considerations. 

How will traffic cross the site during construction?
Once the engineers develop the designs, we will understand this more. However, traffic will travel on the existing causeway in either one or two lanes during the construction process. While NOSC will strive to maintain two-way traffic during construction, this could represent such a significant cost increase that we would be forced to stick with some one-way traffic during construction, but we don’t know yet.

Are fish going through a different passage now?
Juvenile salmon are likely currently migrating through the Ship Canal (Portage Canal) or along the east side of Marrowstone Island. However, these passages are not ideal as they require juvenile fish to migrate either through deeper waters (Ship Canal) and along more exposed shorelines (East Beach) where they are susceptible to predation from larger fish, strong currents, and rough water. 

1 comment:

  1. What actual studies have been AT THIS
    SITE that indicates there are juvenile salmon there? You can't count Irondale Creek -- those are hatchery salmon. Where will they come from?

    ReplyDelete