Bay Street Pedestrian Pathway (BSPP)
Project Overview and Current Status
The City of Port Orchard is committed to extending the Bay Street multi-modal pathway for pedestrians and cyclists connecting the Kitsap Transit Center in downtown Port Orchard to the Kitsap Transit Center Annapolis Pier. During the November 26, 2024, City Council Meeting the City provided a public update that outlined the City’s request to Washington State Department of Transportation to construct the remainder of the project in three phases.
Phase 1/Dudeist Beach to Mitchell Point
- Design Completed
- Remaining Permitting: 2025\2026
- Demolition of all existing, City-owned, overwater structures: 2025
- Construction: 2026/2027
Phase 2/Mitchell Point to Approx. 1800 Block of Bay Street
- Design Completed
- Permitting Completed
- Construction: 2029/2030
Phase 3/Approx. 1800 Block of Bay Street to Kitsap Transit Annapolis Pier
- Design: 2026/2027
- Permitting: 2027/2032
- Construction: 2033/2035
The first phase is designed and the City is ready to proceed with final permitting and construction. Additional work is needed on the second and third phase, including public outreach on proposed design alternatives to address the needs of Annapolis Creek and the related estuary as well as other aspects of the project.
By phasing the project, the City would be authorized to move forward with the first phase, while allowing additional time for the City to evaluate design alternatives for phases two and three that may provide additional enhancement to the nearshore environment and upcoming environmental enhancement projects near Annapolis Creek.
The phased approach timeline will also provide additional opportunity for the City to work collaboratively with our stakeholders and community through public outreach and community forums.
Project Information
The City of Port Orchard is constructing a new 1.0 mile long multi-purpose path/trail, broken into 11 segments beginning at the downtown Port Orchard ferry facility and ending at the Annapolis ferry facility. The completed multi-purpose trail will become a part of the Mosquito Fleet Trail.
This portion of the Mosquito Fleet Trail along Bay Street, also known as the Bay Street Pedestrian Pathway, will be a significant segment of the off-road link in the Mosquito Fleet Trail, which eventually will connect Kingston to Southworth along the eastern shore of Kitsap County. It will also provide a much needed recreational facility within downtown Port Orchard, and a safe alternative transportation mode for its citizens and workforce. Users are expected to include lunchtime walkers, bicycle commuters, families with children, and recreational cyclists on both organized and independent tours. The trail is also likely to experience heavy multiple use during special events organized and hosted by the City of Port Orchard.
- Community Benefits from Project:
- Enhances public access to the shoreline.
- Boosts local businesses through enhanced access and circuity.
- Improves the aquatic environment through environmentally sensitive design.
- Progress:
- Segments 1-5 were completed in 2019 and well-received.
- Completion of the remaining segments (Dudeist Beach to Annapolis Foot Ferry) planned in three phases starting in 2026.
- COVID-19 impacts and transitions in city staff have slowed progress.
- Design and Construction Plan:
- Phase 1: Includes segments 6,7, and half of 8, ending at Mitchell Point with a viewing area.
- Phase 2: Extends through existing right-of-way (ROW), terminating at a crossing point on Bay Street.
- Phase 3: Covers segments 10 and 11, culminating at the Annapolis Foot Ferry, with additional time allocated for design and permitting.
- Public Input and Adjustments
- Incorporated feedback into the design.
- Evaluating design alternatives for sustainability and environmental restoration.
- Request to Stakeholders
- Approval for a phased construction approach.
- Updated Right of Way Plans, financing details, and a Segmentation Plan.
- Commitment:
- The City remains dedicated to delivering a sustainable, high-quality pathway that promotes connectivity, healthy lifestyles, and environmental conservation.