Flowing Forward – Investing in Water and Wildlife

Now is a watershed moment as the PUD works to support the lower Big Quilcene River floodplain restoration, which aims to reconnect over 70 acres of historic floodplain.

The PUD is working in collaboration with Jefferson County, local Tribes, the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, and Jefferson Land Trust, and others to ensure utilities in the area match the restoration efforts.

Work includes retiring overhead power lines along Rodgers Street and installing new underground lines throughout the area. A major part of the restoration project is the reconstruction of the Linger Longer Road bridge and the connection of utilities. The existing bridge that spanned the Big Quilcene River has been removed and traffic detoured to Rodgers Street via a temporary bridge. The Linger Longer stretch of roadway will receive a 1,300’ section of elevated roadway with both power and PUD broadband utilities connected. 

Once the restoration project is complete, the temporary bridge will be removed and both Rodgers Street and Fremont Avenue will be converted into cul-de-sacs to allow more space for the floodplain to flow. Farther downstream, a new access bridge will be constructed to provide Bonneville Power Administration maintenance crews with access to transmission lines.  

This project is just one in a series of similar restoration efforts unfolding across Jefferson County, each requiring careful PUD coordination to ensure power and broadband service remains safe, reliable, and environmentally conscious. By embracing modernized infrastructure as a core piece of restoration planning, the PUD is helping to build a more reliable future for all.

Story authored by Michael Petta, JPUD summer intern from the University of Washington.