Setting Public Works Priorities: Council approves 6-Year transportation plan – Orcasonian

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

San Juan County Council adopted the Public Works Department’s 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Annual Construction Program (ACP) for 2025. The TIP guides the Public Works Department as it manages new and ongoing projects over a six-year period while the ACP outlines projects scheduled for the first year of the TIP.

The TIP is revised at least once per year, adapting to the priorities of the County, project development, and the availability of funding. Projects at varying stages of development are listed in the TIP and may not reach the construction phase upon further research, evaluation of shifting priorities, and more. Projects listed and approved by Council on the TIP will be included in the County’s Road Fund budget.

The County’s annual transportation programs were presented to the Council on September 10, October 1, and October 22. The TIP and ACP were presented to the Planning Commission on September 20, where it was recommended for adoption. A public hearing on October 22 also provided opportunities for public feedback.

Project Overviews: 

The TIP features 11 projects from every major island that seek to improve marine facilities, road conditions, or prevent future decay.  The TIP also includes the County’s annual gravel road conversion program.

San Juan Island (4)

• Douglas Rd/Bailer Hill Rd Improvements: Reconstruct the roadway to include 11-foot lanes with 4-foot shoulders and reconstruct the intersection at ‘The Oaks’ into a radial ’T’ intersection. This project seeks to address flooding, sight lines, and road stability. 
• San Juan Valley Rd Improvements: Structural reconstruction of a failing road base with considerations for road widening.
• Pear Point Rd Sidewalk: Complete a safe pedestrian route from the town to Jackson’s Beach. The sidewalk will be an extension of the one already installed on Argyle Ave.
• Griffin Bay Marine Facility: Install a concrete log ramp to improve ease of boat launch use.  

Lopez Island (3)

• Agate Beach County Park Rd Relocation: Relocate the county road inland in response to increased coastal erosion. This project will also restore two-way traffic, create a parking area within Agate Beach County Park to provide access to public lands, and create a shared-use trail for bicycles and pedestrians.
• Center Rd Improvements: Widen the roadway to include shoulders, reconstruct curves and super-elevations, and improve both intersections, all to meet current county road standards.
• Hunter Bay Marine Facility: Repair or replace the existing pier, gangway, float, and creosote piles. 

Orcas Island (3)

• Upper Deer Harbor Road Improvements: Improve and increase parking spaces and extend upper Deer Harbor Rd to connect with Deer Harbor Rd.  
• Orcas Landing Marine Facility: Continuing to update the marine facility with pier reconstruction to improve connection to public float and Sheriff dock.
• West Sound Marine Facility: Remove eleven creosote-treated timber piles and cross-bracing to replace them with eight new galvanized steel pipe piles. Replace the two existing floats with a single heavy duty timber float with foam-filled HDPE floatation drums and high-traction fiberglass grate deck. And finally, install new aluminum gangway.

Shaw Island (1)

• Neck Point Marine Facility: Install a concrete log ramp to improve ease of boat launch use.

The TIP also includes a priority array for each district, outlining additional, smaller projects such as culvert replacements and road improvements. The ACP for 2025 includes five projects – two construction and three in design – that the department plans to address in the coming year.  

The Public Works Department is eager to begin this next phase of projects as it continues its mission of providing safe and accessible infrastructure for the islands. View the TIP and ACP on the Public Works website HERE.

About San Juan County’s Public Works Department    

San Juan County’s Public Works Department constructs and maintains county roads. The department offices are located at 1609 Beaverton Valley Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Public Works Department, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/277/Public-Works .