I-90 Fish Passage Project to Finish in 2027

The Washington State Department of Transportation expects to complete the Factoria project by the first quarter of 2027.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Remote Work

Isometric editorial illustration of a concrete bridge crossing a restored natural stream channel, illustrating infrastructure project completion. — The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to complete the I-90 fish passage project in Factoria by early 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Washington State Department of Transportation will conclude its multi-year fish passage project under Interstate 90 in Factoria by the first quarter of 2027. This effort replaces a restrictive culvert at Sunset Creek with four new bridges.

Why it matters

The project aims to restore natural aquatic migration by eliminating the old concrete culvert that hindered passage in Sunset Creek. The completion is trending ahead of the original summer 2027 schedule.

The project includes the construction of four new bridges and the creation of 1,000 feet of new streambed, which required excavating to a depth of over 50 feet. The total budget for this multi-year infrastructure initiative exceeds $100 million.

The players

Washington State Department of Transportation

This government agency oversees the development and maintenance of highway and transportation infrastructure across the state.

The details

Crews utilized retaining walls to remove the obsolete culvert and facilitate the installation of the new streambed. Final efforts currently underway include electrical and intelligent transportation system work, guardrail striping, and planting in the median.

Construction on the project has spanned over three years since 2023.
The eastbound I-90 HOV lane is expected to reopen by the end of 2026.
Final project completion is anticipated during the first quarter of 2027.
Original project timelines scheduled the final completion for summer 2027.

Market Landscape

This project follows the mandates set by the Washington State fish passage barrier removal programs to restore critical creek connectivity. The initiative represents a significant commitment to balancing regional highway infrastructure needs with environmental conservation requirements.

Commuters utilizing the eastbound I-90 corridor can expect the return of the HOV lane by the end of 2026. While the project improves regional ecological health, drivers should anticipate remaining in work zones for final site cleanup through early 2027.

The takeaway

Large-scale infrastructure projects often involve complex environmental integrations that extend timelines well beyond standard road repairs. Residents can look forward to restored natural waterway flow in Factoria once the final punch list items are addressed.