Fletcher Bay culvert proposal would open passage for fish

A failing culvert on Fletcher Bay Road could be replaced with a crossing that allows fish to pass, under a proposal going to the Bainbridge Island City Council on October 27.

The culvert is north of High School Road, near the intersection. City staff say the project would also reconstruct aging road infrastructure in the immediate area.

The council is being asked to authorize advertising for a consultant to handle design and permitting. That step would begin the consultant selection process; it would not award a construction contract.

Staff estimate design consulting at $428,000. Their report identifies $1.24 million in the city’s capital improvement plan for the project, funded through storm and surface water management.

The City Council packet describes the existing structure as a “critical failing culvert.” It does not identify the fish species expected to benefit or estimate how much habitat would become accessible.

The Council packet attaches a capital plan that lists an earlier schedule of design in 2025 and construction in 2026. The new request does not provide an updated construction timetable.

The proposal is on the consent agenda for the October 27 meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. Pacific time. The council packet contains the staff report and project funding sheet.