Sexton Road closure July 7 til September

A culvert replacement project on Sexton Creek will close part of Sexton Road from July 7 until September, diverting traffic to Machias Road. The county plans to replace twin culverts with a 27-foot steel arch bridge to enhance fish migration, benefiting species including chinook and coho salmon. The $9 million project is funded through state gas tax allocations, federal infrastructure law grants, and local utility fees. This initiative follows a 2013 federal court ruling that mandated the state to accelerate the replacement of barriers impeding salmon migration. The work will also restore the stream channel, starting at the confluence of Sexton Creek with the Pilchuck River.

Transportation officials emphasize the ecological importance of the project, which addresses one of over 1,000 culverts statewide needing replacement. Additional culverts along Bunk Foss Creek are also on the replacement list, reflecting ongoing commitments to improving fish passage. This project underscores the state's efforts to comply with legal requirements and restore vital salmon habitats.