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Poulsbo launches early planning and outreach for major Front Street reconstruction
Summary
City staff presented an early-stage Front Street concept on July 8, proposing a multi-year phased effort (survey, couplet study, charrette, design and staged grant applications). Staff estimated a project range of roughly $5 million–$15 million and recommended pursuing FHWA and other grants, while testing one-way or soft closures after 3rd Avenue upgrades.
City staff opened an initial public discussion on a potential Front Street reconstruction project at the Poulsbo workshop on July 8, characterizing it as a multi-year, city-defining effort that will require careful outreach, utility upgrades and creative funding.
Staff framed the near-term work: a topographic survey and a couplet evaluation (studying a one-way couplet pairing Front Street and 3rd Avenue), followed by consultant selection and design charrettes next year to develop visuals and stakeholder input. They described a funding approach that phases the project — design-only grants first, then construction grants later — and said FHWA funding tends to cover larger construction costs but requires environmental reviews and strict schedules.
Cost estimates were described as a wide range depending on scope: staff flagged rough potential values around $5 million at the low end up to $15 million for a more ambitious, full-build project. Staff also emphasized Complete Streets goals (bicycle and pedestrian facilities, improved drainage and climate-resilience measures) and said the city will pursue multiple grant sources.
Council members and business stakeholders raised operational concerns for any one-way or pedestrianization tests: rerouting large vehicles (boat trailers) and ensuring continued access to businesses (Marina Market and downtown parking), coordinating the timing with 3rd Avenue construction, and testing temporary changes using soft measures before committing to infrastructure changes. Businesses and the HDPA offered to form a parking/outreach committee to work with staff as planning moves forward.
Staff committed to return with a contract amendment and budget item to fund the couplet study and the survey scope for council approval. The project remains at an early, exploratory stage; no design or construction contract was authorized at the workshop.
