Reminder: Construction Begins Sept. 2nd for Bayhead Creek Culvert Project on Killebrew Lake Rd, Orcas Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 18, 2025 – Construction on the Bayhead Creek Culvert Repair Project on Killebrew Lake Rd on Orcas Island will begin on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 and is expected to last until mid-October. It is important for travelers to know that Killebrew Lake Road will be closed to through-traffic from September 8 through September 16, 2025. During the nine-day road closure, Dolphin Bay Road will be the detour. A 20mph speed limit will be in place along Dolphin Bay Road and drivers are encouraged to use caution, turn-on headlights, and add extra time to your commute.

Residents may notice staging of construction materials beginning August 20th, including on Orcas Road near Orcas Recycling Services and near the construction site. Crews will be working to facilitate access for emergency vehicles as much as possible during the project. Residents may encounter pieces of the culvert coming over on ferries between September 8^th and 10^th – so keep a look out!

The County has posted flyers, mailed postcards to nearby residents, and updated the project page with the latest information. The project team will continue communicating with residents and visitors about the impending work. Information is available at the construction site, around Orcas Landing (Village Store and Post Office), and on the project landing page: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/bayhead-killebrew-culvert.

Background

The project design significantly reduces the construction window from what was proposed in 2023 – reducing the overall project time by 50% (3 months to 45 days) and reducing road closure time by 90% (90 days to 9 days).

This project seeks to address damage from a 2020 storm that overwhelmed the culvert under Killebrew Lake Road and required a temporary fix. Now, the County is required by state law to replace the temporary culvert with a larger, permanent, and fish-passable design. Funding for this project comes from FEMA and expires in early 2026.

Additional questions can be directed to project manager Tyler Davis: tylerd@sanjuancountywa.gov

About San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship

San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship is responsible for solid waste, marine resources, clean water, cultural resources, and climate and sustainability work. The department offices are located at 1609 Beaverton Valley Road, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/839/Environmental-Stewardship.

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