PORT ORCHARD — Kitsap County’s public works department reported Friday that the existing metal arch culvert on Lake Flora Road at Coulter Creek was damaged during recent storms this week.

The aging culvert partially collapsed causing the south half of the road embankment to wash out.

According to the county, public works crews are in the process of stabilizing the road embankment, placing a traffic barrier and installing a temporary traffic signal that will allow alternating traffic through the site. The improvements will allow the passage of vehicles through the site until permanent repairs can be made.

Officials said interim repairs should be completed by Friday afternoon. They said motorists using the road should use extreme caution when driving through the area.

County engineering staff have met on site with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and contacted other resource agencies. The affected reach of Coulter Creek is home to steelhead trout, coho salmon and other resident fish species.

“In all likelihood, the permanent repair will require replacement of the 6-foot-diameter culvert with a structure spanning a 30-foot stream width,” said Doug Bear, Kitsap County spokesman.

“Because the permanent structure will require design, permits and prefabricated elements, it may take several months to initiate the permanent repairs.”

Bear said it also may be necessary to close Lake Flora Road to traffic while permanent repairs are made.