SHINE – The SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge Project caught a rising star this week, elevating the level of transit service in Kitsap County provided during the approximately six-week bridge closure.
Seattle-based Starline Transportation will provide buses between the water shuttle dock at Lofall, Port Gamble, Kingston, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island and Silverdale and non-emergency medical transportation services to Kitsap County hospitals. Starline brings professional bus drivers and a fleet of vehicles that can be expanded as needed during the closure.
“We were able to use the flexibility created by this change, and the community’s feedback to fine-tune our Kitsap-based transit service,” said Kevin Dayton, Olympic Region Administrator. “We revisited our schedules and adjusted them to better meet riders’ needs.”
Kitsap Transit is now giving WSDOT technical advice and providing on-site management services at the Port Gamble park and ride during the bridge closure.
The May 1 through mid-June closure will be challenging for travelers, but the Olympic Peninsula will be open for business. WSDOT encourages people to get ready now by reviewing their transportation choices. “Get around” options include crossing the canal on a water shuttle; the free transit-connecting-bus services and the park and ride lots; taking the Port Townsend/Edmonds evening ferry or the Port Townsend/Keystone ferry; flying from Port Angeles to Seattle; driving around on alternate routes; or utilizing private boat services.
For more information, including a complete transit schedule, an online interactive map and videos on getting around during the closure, visit http://www.hoodcanalbridge.com/. The Hood Canal Bridge retrofit and replacement project is now 90 percent complete. The new bridge construction will improve the existing east half, making it wider, safer and more reliable.
