Fox Island Bridge Public Meeting: September 2026 Project Update
Pierce County Public Works will host a public community meeting regarding the Fox Island Bridge project on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
The meeting will focus on the history and potential impacts to Towhead Island, the intersection options being evaluated for Warren Drive and the next phase of the Fox Island Bridge environmental review.
As a member of the Fox Island Bridge Community Panel, I’ll be attending and continuing to help communicate accurate project information between Pierce County and our local community.
Fox Island Bridge Public Meeting Details
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Fox Island United Church of Christ
Address: 756 6th Avenue FI, Fox Island, WA 98333
Overflow parking will be available at Heart Church, located at 655 6th Avenue FI.
Meeting schedule
4:00 p.m.: Open house and conversations with the project team
4:45 p.m.: Presentation followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer session
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Continued open house and individual discussions with county specialists
County representatives will be available at multiple information stations to discuss the environmental review, bridge-replacement alternatives, traffic and roadway considerations, Warren Drive intersection options and overall project planning.
FAQ: What Is Happening With the Fox Island Bridge?
The Fox Island Bridge has connected Fox Island with the Gig Harbor Peninsula for more than 70 years. It remains an essential transportation route for residents, businesses, visitors and emergency services.
Pierce County continues to inspect, maintain and operate the existing bridge safely. At the same time, planning for its long-term replacement requires several years of engineering, environmental review, public engagement and coordination with government agencies and community partners.
The project is intended to:
- Improve long-term structural resiliency and reliability
- Maintain a safe and dependable connection across Hale Passage
- Improve accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Meet current seismic-design requirements
- Account for future environmental conditions, including sea-level rise
- Where Is the Project in the Environmental Review Process?
- Pierce County is now completing the State Environmental Policy Act Environmental Impact Statement, commonly called the SEPA EIS.
The county is evaluating three bridge-replacement alternatives and a No-Action alternative identified through the Type, Size and Location Study completed in 2025.
The EIS will evaluate the potential environmental and community impacts of each alternative, identify possible mitigation measures and help county decision-makers select a Preferred Alternative.
A Preferred Alternative has not yet been selected.
Anticipated Fox Island Bridge EIS Timeline
- Evaluation of the bridge alternatives continuing through approximately June 2027
- Publication of the Draft EIS in summer 2027
- A 45-day public-comment period
- Online and in-person Draft EIS open houses
- Selection of a Preferred Alternative after the Draft EIS review
- Publication of the Final EIS later in 2027
- A Record of Decision anticipated before the end of 2027
- The September meeting marks the first time the county will present this updated timeline directly to the broader public.
Has Funding for the New Fox Island Bridge Been Decided?
No. Pierce County has not selected a future funding option or made a final funding decision.
County representatives have explained that funding will not be addressed during the September public meeting because the environmental review remains underway. The final project scope and total cost cannot be determined until that work progresses further.
What Is the Fox Island Bridge Community Panel?
The Community Panel is a small, representative group of local community members convened to provide Pierce County’s project team with community perspectives and help share accurate information with the public.
Pierce County will formally introduce the panel and explain its role during the September 23 meeting.
Hot Tip: Your Favorite Pierce County Realtor, AREA EXPERT & NEIGHBOR is one of the only FIVE COMMUNITY PANELISTS
What If You Cannot Attend in Person?
Pierce County will offer an online open house from September 23 through October 11, 2026.
Project materials, updates and opportunities to participate are available through the official Pierce County Fox Island Bridge project website.
I’ll continue providing straightforward updates as the environmental review progresses and new information becomes available. If you live on Fox Island, own property in the area or are considering a move to the Gig Harbor Peninsula, understanding the project timeline will be important as long-term planning continues.
