Head of the Bay Gearing Up for Back-to-School Traffic, High School Road-305 Roundabout Update, More on Affordable Housing

The so-called Head of the Bay Fish Passage Project is gearing up for back-to-school traffic. Bainbridge public schools will be back in session on September 2. As part of its preparation, the city is undertaking a traffic management program for an anticipated busy traffic start to school.

Before School Starts

• New Temporary Stop Signs: a 3-way stop was added at Lynwood Center Rd and Fletcher Bay Rd.
• Traffic Signals: Timing at the High School Rd and Fletcher Bay Rd intersection will be adjusted for all-day operation (6 a.m. – 6 p.m.).
• Road Project Coordination: The City is working with contractors on Sportsman Club Road and Baker Hill Road paving projects to reduce school traffic impacts, potentially shifting work to weekends.

After School Starts

• Police Traffic Control: BIPD Officers will help direct traffic at key intersections on the first days of school.
• On-the-ground Monitoring: Public Works and Sustainable Transportation staff will be stationed along the detour route to observe and document traffic conditions throughout the day.
• Adjustments: Staff will meet with BISD, Kitsap Transit, and emergency response agencies to review traffic flow and adjust plans as needed.

What’s Happening Now

• Crews recently completed placement of the new concrete box culvert, including the streambed cobbles and woody debris.
• Contractors are now preparing the backfill and building retaining walls on the east side.
• Stream water will soon be re-routed from temporary bypass pipes into the new culvert.
• Roadway backfill will begin in the coming weeks as the project stays on track for completion.

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

WSDOT Plans for Highway 305 and High School Road Roundabout

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is beginning early planning for safety improvements at the intersection of State Route 305 and High School Road. This is a WSDOT-led project, not a City of Bainbridge Island project.

WSDOT’s pre-design work will explore converting the current signalized intersection to a roundabout to help reduce the risk of serious and fatal crashes. The planning will also consider Complete Streets improvements for people who walk, bike, or roll.

What’s Next:

• WSDOT will meet with local partners and community groups.
• Public open houses (online and in person) will be scheduled for feedback.
• Open house dates will be announced once confirmed.

This project is funded through the state’s safety improvement program and is separate from other SR 305 corridor projects previously identified in the 2017 Kitsap Transit study.

Update on Affordable Housing Project Planned for Old Police Station Site

At a recent meeting, the Bainbridge Island City Council heard a presentation from the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) on the proposed workforce housing project at 625 Winslow Way. LIHI presented an updated 90-unit massing study – a preliminary exploration of a building’s general shape and relationship to its surroundings – not a final design, and was directed by Council to also prepare a 72-unit alternative for consideration.

“Beyond housing, the 625 Winslow Way project is envisioned as a community asset that reflects Bainbridge Island’s character, with design concepts that include pocket gardens, trees, art, welcoming pedestrian spaces, and ground floor business.,” say City officials. “Located at the gateway to the island, the project seeks to demonstrate Bainbridge’s commitment to inclusivity and to serve as a welcoming place for all.”

Source Materials: City of Bainbridge Island

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