WSDOT Open House for 305/High School Road Roundabout Tonight! Online Survey Now Live! More Head of Bay Traffic Congestion, Parks’ Rolls Out Winter Concert Series

In case you’ve been out of town, or blissfully carrying on with your life, you might not be aware that a Roundabout is being planned for the intersection of State Route 305 and High School Road by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). This is not a City of Bainbridge Island project, but rather a state funded one.

To gather community input, WSDOT will host an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, that’s tonight! at Woodward Middle School.

No formal presentation is scheduled, according to WSDOT officials. Project team members, however, will be available to share information, answer questions, and collect comments.

WSDOT also has an online open house with a survey. The online materials will mirror the in-person event.

Meantime, the Parks & Trails Foundation, Squeaky Wheels and Sustainable Bainbridge are three organizations that “are especially concerned that the roundabout design facilitates safe use for those walking, cycling and rolling,” says Barb Trafton, the Parks Foundation Trails Director. “The Sound to Olympics Trail crosses from the SE to the SW corner- posing design challenges and many people of all ages and abilities cross our island’s busiest intersection.”

Trafton notes that the public can further engage in the process by making comments. The WSDOT formal period comment period closes on February 20. She says the community can participate in the WSDOT 305 & HS RD Roundabout Online Open House and add comments in the linked survey.

Learn more about the roundabout project by visiting: SR 305 High School Rd Pre-design | WSDOT Engage

Head of the Bay Traffic Alert! Expect Delays Until at Least the End of March 

Meanwhile, south enders’ patience may be wearing a bit thin as several major projects continue at the Head of the Bay along Eagle Harbor Drive and Wyatt Way.

Beginning on or around Feb. 9, this past Monday, this section of roadway shifted to 24-hour, one-lane access. Flaggers will direct traffic during the day, and temporary signals will be in place after work hours. Travelers should expect delays. Please plan accordingly and consider an alternate route, if feasible, City officials recommend.

This single-lane setup is needed to give crews enough space to safely pour and cure new concrete curbing on both sides of the road. The narrow roadway, along with nearby shorelines, wetlands, and steep slopes, makes maintaining traffic flow in this area especially challenging. The infrastructure work is expected to go on through late March.

Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation Presents Sounds of Winter, a New Intimate Concert Series

This winter, the Park District invites the community to warm up with Sounds of Winter, a new four-part intimate concert series celebrating local musicians, seasonal sounds, and meaningful community connection. Presented at the historic Island Center Hall, the series offers a cozy, close-up concert experience designed for unwinding and enjoying exceptional live music.

Each evening features talented regional artists performing original compositions, inspired instrumentals, and timeless favorites that reflect the beauty and mood of winter in the Pacific Northwest. Guests are encouraged to bring friends, settle in, and enjoy a soulful musical experience in a welcoming setting.

2026 Sounds of Winter Lineup

February 12 – The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra
Led by acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and educator Kareem Kandi, this dynamic ensemble reflects his wide-ranging career spanning jazz, blues, classical, and funk. A Pacific Northwest native, Kandi has performed across the U.S. and around the world. Known for honoring musical traditions while forging new creative paths, his original compositions and innovative arrangements promise an engaging and boundary-pushing performance.

February 26 – Sue Jane & Steve Bryant
Violist Sue Jane Bryant and violinist Stephen “Steve” Bryant bring together extensive orchestral and chamber music experience. Between them, they have performed with major ensembles including the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra, and numerous international orchestras. Their shared artistry and expressive collaboration create a performance that is both refined and vibrant.

March 12 – Tracie Marsh Band
Bassist and vocalist Tracie Marsh is a versatile performer with a degree in bass performance from Washington State University. Her career includes international performances, principal bass with the New Hampshire Philharmonic, and major production shows at sea. Now based in Poulsbo, Marsh leads her own pop-soul-jazz project and is a sought-after composer and collaborator throughout the region.

March 26 – Karin Kajita Quintet: The Life & Music of Duke Ellington
The Karin Kajita Jazz Quintet, featuring vocalist Angela Petrucci, presents a narrative musical journey through the life and legacy of Duke Ellington. Approaching the 100-year anniversary of Ellington’s historic Cotton Club debut, this program traces his career chronologically—from his early beginnings in Washington, D.C., to worldwide acclaim—through music and storytelling.

Tickets are $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents. Advance purchase is recommended. Purchase tickets. For more information about Sounds of Winter and other Park District programs, visit BIParks.org/SpecialEvents.

Source Materials: City of Bainbridge Island, Metro Parks District. Photo Courtesy of Kareem Kandi.

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