— from Jacob Heinen for San Juan County Public Works —

The West Beach Culvert Replacement project will be kicking off on Tuesday, September 3. There will be no road closures or changes to traffic circulation over Labor Day Weekend.

This project provides for the improvement of 340-feet of West Beach Road and the restoration and realignment of 135-feet of West Beach Creek.

Project Highlights:

  • A 19-foot aluminum bottomless culvert will replace the existing 5-foot pipe
  • The roadway will be rebuilt as a Hilfiker MSE wall system. The MSE wall face will be vegetated to match the West Beach habitat
  • Safety Enhancements:
    • Guardrails installed across West Beach Creek
    • Stormwater drainage improvements
    • Widened roadway shoulder

Over the next week the contractor will install erosion control and de-watering measures before clearing and grubbing the site.

Utility relocation for the project is complete, including the installation of a temporary power pole. Thanks to OPALCO, CenturyLink, and Rock Island for their work.

The Orcas Island Road Crew have installed advance warning signs along West Beach Road and Enchanted Forest Road. The signs will be covered until the 3rd when the road closure begins. The crew also mowed the intersection of Enchanted Forest and West Beach to improve sight distance and prepare for roadway grading.

We appreciate the patience of all those affected by the upcoming construction. We’re confident the finished product will be worth it. Please reach out to the Public Works Department with questions and comments.