The previous culvert that carried Barnes Creek under SR 516 was too small and made of vitrified clay, putting it in imminent danger of collapse. A collapse would have rendered SR 516 unusable pending repairs.
WSDOT replaced the Barnes Creek culvert with a larger structure that allows coho, resident trout, steelhead and sea run cutthroat improved access to more than one mile of additional upstream habitat. As part of the improvements, WSDOT also restored the streambed to create a more fish-friendly habitat by adding rocks, woody debris that provide resting areas for spawning fish, and new plants and trees for shade.
These improvements also are intended to create a more enjoyable experience for people who use the Barnes Creek Nature Trail as they’ll likely see more fish return to the creek in the years ahead.
When many roads were first built and then expanded to become state highways, engineers at the time didn’t realize the importance of creating culverts large enough to accommodate fish. Over time, many of these culverts became barriers because they were too small. Other problems with these culverts surfaced as well; some designs encouraged debris to pile up, water ran too fast or was not deep enough, or the culverts were made of material that began deteriorating. All of these issues, separately and combined, made it difficult for fish to return upstream to spawn.
This work will also helps WSDOT comply with a 2013 federal injunction to significantly increase efforts to remove state-owned culverts that block habitat for salmon and steelhead by 2030.
Design work began in 2021. Construction work began on the new fish passage in September 2023, and it was completed that same month. Final site work in the area continues into early 2024.
Milestone
2021-2022
Planning and design
Aug. 29, 2022
Project is advertised to contractors
Fall 2023
Construction begins
Fall 2023
Construction is completed
PEF (federal/state), CWA and Local
Financial Data for PIN 151601A |
Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$0 |
2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$0 |
Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$5,223 |
CWA |
$213 |
Total |
$5,436 |
|