SILVERDALE – The $12.3 million dollar construction contract for the Bucklin Hill Bridge project, awarded to Granite Construction Company, begins June 1. The bridge project, which replaces two culverts and expands Bucklin Hill Road from two lanes to four lanes, is on schedule to meet the June 1 construction start and the July 1 Road Closure.

Since February, Puget Sound Energy and other utilities have been working onsite in preparation for the project. Beginning June 1, Granite Construction Company will stage equipment and begin construction, which includes intermittent traffic delays. However, on July 1, Bucklin Hill Road will close entirely, between Blaine Avenue NW and Mickelberry Road NW, for approximately 14 months.

The closure presents a challenge to motorists. However, the County has spent the past year in outreach efforts alerting the public of the closure and the need to scout an alternate route to reduce congestion.

“The short-term inconvenience of the road closure is offset by the many benefits the project will bring”, said Tina Nelson, project manager.

“With increased road capacity, safer travels for pedestrians and cyclists, and the anticipated enhancement to Clear Creek estuary, the Bucklin Hill Road project, once complete will be a source of pride for Silverdale,” she said.

Additional information about the project is available on the project web site, www.bucklinhill.com. Residents can sign up for electronic project updates by email or text message at the site.