Update: Orcas Island’s Fish Trap Culvert Replacement Enters Second Phase

Submitted by San Juan County Public Works

The County’s Public Works Department is entering phase two of a project to replace a culvert and repair a section of Cormorant Bay Road near Deer Harbor. The FEMA-funded project is installing a ten-foot-wide box culvert, specially designed to improve fish passage to Fish Trap Creek and withstand significant storms. Construction began in February and is expected to be completed by the end of June 2023.

Throughout the month of April, the project will see significant progress:

All utilities will be temporarily routed overhead by utility poles provided by OPALCO.

The precast culvert will undergo final inspections and additional materials will be shipped.

During the week of April 10, culvert excavation of Cormorant Bay Road will begin and the by-pass road will re-open.

Safety Reminders:

Please keep vehicle speeds low – no more than 10 mph.

Obey flaggers when onsite.