Here We Go Again: Major Infrastructure Project Begins Wednesday at the Head of the Bay, Plus New Art Plan, Sewer Connections, etc. for South Enders

Now for something completely different. NOT. After spending almost two years upgrading Madison Avenue with its complicated “Bundled” project that included utility work, in addition to road resurfacing and new bikes lanes and sidewalks, the City is now embarking on another new major infrastructure project.

Beginning Wednesday July 16, Eagle Harbor Drive at the Head of the Bay will be closed to vehicles through early October for a critical culvert replacement needed for “stream health and salmon and fish restoration,” according to city officials.

The project will also widen the shoulders in this section for safer passage.

Businesses, including the Green Light Garage, will be open during construction. No doubt, the on-going work will cause major traffic disruptions and headaches for the thousands of residents who live on the south end of the island.

Detour routes and alternative access options include:

• Vehicles: Detours will be routed via Fletcher Bay Road and High School Road.
• Pedestrians and Cyclists: A temporary gangway will provide access around the east side of the site.
• Transit: Riders should visit KTTracker.com/map and select a bus route. For details about bus detours and to view rider alerts, visit kitsaptransit.com/alerts.

Learn More: Eagle Harbor Fish Passage at Cooper Creek | Bainbridge Island, WA – Official Website

Additional Safety Improvements on Eagle Harbor Drive

Meantime, the next phase of the Eagle Harbor Drive & Wyatt Way Non-Motorized Improvements Project will also begin this summer. Building on work completed last year, the project will enhance safety and connectivity for non-motorized users and will be coordinated with the Eagle Harbor Drive (Cooper Creek) Fish Passage project, city officials point out.

Part of the Connecting Centers priority list in the Sustainable Transportation Plan, the project includes a mix of shoulders, separated paths, and intersection safety upgrades from the Bucklin/Eagle Harbor intersection to Ashbury Court, including improvements at the Finch/Wyatt intersection.

The project also includes a waterline upgrade to minimize future disruptions and is supported by three transportation grants.

Four bids were opened on July 2. At a recent meeting, the City Council approved the $2.56M contract with Johansen Construction Company, LLC.

The Island Wanderer congratulates the City for resurfacing a section of Country Club Road, southeast of Toe Jam Hill Road that has been filled with potholes for years. It’s been a bit of a nightmare for drivers, but especially for bikers, like me, who have had to navigate the roughly quarter mile stretch –equivalent to a mine field – to reach Upper Farms Roads for many years now. Thank you!

Draft Community Art Plan Available for Public Viewing

In June 2024, the City Council approved hiring Designing Local to develop a Community Arts Plan aimed at strengthening the Island’s arts ecosystem.

Through interviews, pop-up events, and a community survey, the plan gathered input from artists, organizations, and residents. Guided by a local steering committee, the plan outlines strategies such as revising public art policies, studying the creative economy, and increasing arts funding.

At a recent meeting, the City Council directed City Manager Blair King to circulate the draft Community Arts Plan to local arts organizations before bringing it back for adoption.

Learn More: Public Art Program | Bainbridge Island, WA – Official Website

Applications Being Accepted for South Island Sewer Connections

The city is now accepting applications for new South Island Sewer Connections (ERUs) through July 31. This opportunity follows the City Council’s adoption of a revised policy on June 24, 2025, which outlines the process for distributing available connections under the interlocal agreement with Kitsap County Sewer District #7.

If your property is within the service area, submit your application during the open call period. City staff will review and evaluate applications in August, with recommendations presented to the City Council this fall.

Please note on the application that it is for a South Island Sewer new connection, and provide as much information as possible to allow staff to evaluate eligibility and priority in accordance with the classifications established in the revised policy

Water / Sewer Availability Process | Bainbridge Island, WA – Official Website

Coming Up, July 15 City Council Study Session at 6 p.m.

• Review the Preliminary Master Development Plan from LIHI for 625 Winslow Way and Consider Forwarding Request for Revised Development Regulations to the Planning Commission for Development of an Ordinance for Future Council Consideration
• Review State Legislation Impacting Solid Waste and Status of Solid Waste Initiatives
• Present Highlights of the 2024-2025 Permit Fee Rate Study

The above agenda key topics list is not a complete list of agenda topics. Click on the button below for the full agenda. City Council Agendas are available to view the Friday before the meeting by 5pm.

City Council & Planning Commission Agendas, Minutes & Meeting Videos | Bainbridge Island, WA – Official Website

Information and images courtesy of the City of Bainbridge Island