After years of planning and work, the $20.5 million Johnson Parkway roadway in Poulsbo linking Highway 305 to Noll Road officially opened to the public June 17.
There was a ribbon cutting that featured from Mayor Becky Erickson and Suquamish Tribe Chairman Leanord Forsman. The project team and local artists of newly installed artwork were also present.
Per a city news release, the project includes:
• A new roundabout on Highway 305, south of Poulsbo city limits.
• New and improved roadway that connects to Noll Road, shared use path and sidewalks.
• Non-motorized tunnel under Highway 305, connecting Lemolo Shore to the east side of the city for bikes, pedestrians and occasional wildlife.
• A newly constructed shared-use path that is a small segment of the future Sound to Olympics Trail and the nationwide Great American Rail-Trail.
• Removal of one fish barrier on Bjorgen Creek and culverts for two tributary streams.
• Construction, restoration, enhancement and maintenance of 2.5 acres of wetlands with 10 acres of natural wetlands and stream buffer adjoining the roadway.
• More than 7,500 trees (seedlings) that were planted as part of the project.
Johnson Parkway is the biggest transportation project the city has undertaken, the release states. The project started as early as 1992 as part of the Noll Road Corridor Transportation Study and was further developed in two more studies in 2008 and 2016. The project was designed to be inclusive of all users and prioritized fish and wildlife habitat.
Construction started in January 2021 and spans nearly a mile. The new roundabout and connection to Noll Road will provide safety improvements for motorists and non-motorized users. The project provides safer access to Highway 305 and is expected to reduce serious injury crashes there.
The shared use path will be safe for all non-motorized users, and it will provide safer access to transit stops.
The city engaged three locals to include public art, which reflects the native lands of the Suquamish, the importance of the environment, and the diversity of citizens, per the release.
They include Elijah Burnett, who designed “Peaceful Waters;” Kate Ahvakana, who designed “Traveling;” and Lisa Stirrett, who designed the art etched on the retaining wall on the perimeter of the roundabout titled, “In the Midst.”
The project was designed by Parametrix, Inc. and constructed by Active Construction Inc. of Puyallup. The lead agency was the city of Poulsbo, and construction administration was provided by state Department of Transportation.
The roundabout was funded by Connecting Washington Funds from the legislature, spearheaded by state Sen. Christine Rolfes, who recently was named interim Kitsap County commissioner. Other elements were funded by the city of Poulsbo, Transportation Improvement Board, Federal Highway Administration State Transportation Plan funds and city utility funds.
“The city of Poulsbo wishes to thank the community for their support of this project and their patience through construction. Additionally, we thank the many groups, citizens, agencies, and our City Council – all of whom made this project possible and demonstrated their commitment to this investment in our city,” the release says.
