Planning study news
The corridor study of State Route 302 between SR 3 and Wright Bliss Road NW in Mason and Pierce Counties is complete and the report is available for viewing. The study developed alternatives to improve operations, safety and mobility for all users.
Purpose
SR 302 is an important east-west link through Mason and Pierce Counties. The road is an important connection for Belfair and Purdy. It also provides a connection between SR 3 and SR 16 for residents, businesses and visitors.
The study looked at improvements to address roadway collapse and landslides which have damaged the roadway and resulted in road closures. Recommendations published in the study report will be used to pursue future funding for highway design and construction improvements.
Over the past 20 years, landslides and roadway collapses have resulted in partial or full closures of SR 302. These closures resulted in long detours around the affected area.
In 2021, the Washington State Legislature directed WSDOT to complete a corridor study of SR 302 near Victor. The final report recommends safety and infrastructure improvements. The goal is to find ways to address the current damage and prevent future roadway collapses and landslides.
In 2016, the highway between Belfair and Purdy had average daily traffic volumes within the study limits of 4,000.
Stakeholders and partners involved with the study included Mason County, Pierce County, Kitsap County, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Skokomish Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, Squaxin Island Tribe, Nisqually Tribe, Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and the Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization.