Submitted by San Juan County.
San Juan County Council adopted the Public Works Department’s 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program and the Annual Construction Program for 2025 (available online at https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/309/County-Roads.) 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 Sept. 10, Oct. 1 and Oct. 22. The TIP and ACP were presented to the Planning Commission on Sept. 20, where it was recommended for adoption. A public hearing on Oct. 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
Douglas Road/Bailer Hill Road improvements: Reconstruct the roadway to include 11-foot lanes with four-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 Road improvements: structural reconstruction of a failing road base with considerations for road widening.
Pear Point Road 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 Avenue.
Griffin Bay Marine Facility: Install a concrete log ramp to improve ease of boat launch use.
Lopez Island
Agate Beach County Park Road 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 Road 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
Upper Deer Harbor Road improvements: Improve and increase parking spaces and extend upper Deer Harbor Road to connect with Deer Harbor Road.
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 11 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
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 in 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 at https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/309/County-Roads.
