Project updates: Here’s what we’re working on at Kitsap Transit

An aerial rendering of the Silverdale Transit Center, which started construction in October.

Kitsap Transit broke ground on a state-of-the-art transit center in Silverdale this spring, just off Highway 303 and Ridgetop Boulevard. When completed, the transit center will be the first in Western Washington to feature automatic wireless charging of electric buses.

It’s an exciting project, and we’re happy to announce that construction officially started on Oct. 14 with the realignment of Sid Uhnick Drive.

But that’s far from everything we’re working on! Kitsap Transit has several projects in the pipeline aimed at improving sustainable transit operations, adding redundancy for our ferry fleet and bolstering park & ride options in North and South Kitsap. Here’s an overview of what we’re working on:

Silverdale Transit Center

A modern, accessible transit center with in-ground charging, passenger shelters, bike storage and a dedicated on-ramp for buses to travel onto Highway 303. Missed our groundbreaking? Watch our Silverdale Transit Center Groundbreaking highlights video.

Construction started on Oct. 14. Sid Uhinck Drive will be realigned first, followed by transit center construction. Realigning the road will allow us to build the transit center at the desired size, with eight bus bays.

Charleston Base Electric Charging Infrastructure

Six chargers will be installed this November, in preparation for the delivery of 6 additional electric buses. At full buildout in 2023, Charleston Base will have a total of 18 chargers.

Charging stations for electric buses.

SR 16 Park & Ride

This new park &ride, located near the intersection of Sidney and Sedgewick Road in Port Orchard, will offer approximately 250 parking spaces.

We have started the environmental review process and completed about one-third of the design work.

M/V Solano Refurbishment

Kitsap Transit purchased the M/V Solano from the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) in 2021. (Photo courtesy of WETA)

Nichols Bros. Boat Builders is in the process of retrofitting the M/V Solano to fit into bow-loading slips. Once completed, the Solano will serve as a backup vessel for our Kingston or Southworth fast ferry routes.

The shipyard has removed the vessel’s engines and generators to be overhauled. Hull blasting (the process of cleaning rust and paint from the hull to see what plating needs to be repaired) has also been completed.

Up next: the modifications and overhaul stage, where the Solano will be redesigned so that it can fit into bow-loading ferry slips.

Hydrogen Fueling Study

In September, Kitsap Transit’s Board approved funding for a study that will evaluate the installation, operation and fleet management of a hydrogen fuel-cell system at the West Bremerton Transit Center.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) awarded a supplemental grant to Kitsap Transit and planning will commence later this year.

Port Orchard Transit Center Study

Kitsap Transit awarded a contract in October to begin an alternatives analysis for a Port Orchard Transit Center.

Ferry Maintenance Facility Study

The goal of this project is to study potential locations for a marine maintenance facility that Kitsap Transit would use to repair its ferry fleet.

The Board approved an alternatives analysis in October.

Ruth Haines Roadway

This project is part of the overall development agreement with the City of Poulsbo for the North Base project.  Once built, this new roadway will be dedicated to the city, and in return, the city will vacate Vetter Road to Kitsap Transit allowing for transit-only access to the operations and storage facilities.

We have submitted a 100% design to the City of Poulsbo for permitting. We plan to go out to bid for construction later this year.

SR 305 Day Road Park & Ride

This park & ride – consisting of approximately 75 parking spaces – would serve the North Kitsap community along Highway 305 and Day Road.

We have submitted a grant application to WSDOT’s Regional Mobility Grant Program for the design and construction of the park & ride. Kitsap Transit is waiting to hear if this grant will be awarded before the project can progress.