Project overview
This project replaces barriers to fish at Blackjack Creek (SR 16) and Salmonberry Creek (SR 160). Work includes replacing three 8-foot by 9-foot box culverts at Blackjack Creek with two 80-foot bridges, which will combine the highway and ramps onto a single structure in each direction of SR 16.
At Salmonberry Creek, a 60-foot long, 48-inch diameter arch pipe will be replaced with a 25-foot buried bridge structure.
What to expect
Both directions on State Route 16 are on the new bridges over Blackjack Creek.
In-water work at Blackjack Creek will resume in 2026.
The Salmonberry Creek portion of the project includes a long-term closure of SR 160, which is currently scheduled for the summer of 2026.
Travelers may see nighttime single-lane closures on SR 16 associated with this project. Closures on SR 16 eastbound are permitted between 5:45 p.m. and 10 a.m. the following day. Closures on SR 16 westbound are permitted from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following day.
Locations of SR 16 and SR 160 fish barrier removal project.
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passage barriers is an important part of the state's efforts to protect and restore fish runs negatively affected by outdated culverts under state highways.
A 2013 federal court injunction required WSDOT to significantly increase the state’s efforts in removing state-owned culverts that block habitat for salmon, bull trout, and steelhead.
Replacing outdated culverts with either bridges or fish passable structures will increase the likelihood of fish migration. The improvements will slow water and build the creek to help simulate a more natural creek environment.