SR 16 and SR 302 (SPUR) Purdy Creek - Remove Fish Barriers and Paving

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This project improves habitat and passage for fish in Purdy Creek under State Route 16 and the SR 302 Spur. Purdy Creek attempts to flow under SR 16 inside a 40-year-old culvert. Many fish species cannot swim through the old culvert. This project will replace the culvert with two 206-foot-long bridge structures. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates this work will create about 5.6 miles of new habitat. Purdy Creek is home to juvenile Chinook, coho and chum salmon. Adult and juvenile steelhead, coastal cutthroat trout and sculpin are also found in the creek. Purdy Creek also runs under the SR 302 Spur through an old culvert before it enters the tidal flats of the Burley Lagoon. The culvert is challenging for fish to navigate. During summer 2023, crews filled in the old culvert and started building a 77-foot-long bridge structure. WDFW estimates this work will open a total of 6.5 miles of habitat. This work will help preserve the integrity of the highways and reduce maintenance costs by reducing or eliminating the possibility of culvert blockages.

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