A compact roundabout in Freeland, replacement of a North Whidbey tide gate, a trail in Clinton to the ferry dock and public access to light industrial area near the Whidbey Airpark are all included in Island County’s plans for the next six years.

Island County commissioners got an update on the county’s six-year Transportation Improvement Plan and the Clean Water Utility Plan during a workshop meeting last week. The projects will be funded with designated county funds and grants.

Commissioner Jill Johnson noted that the projects include replacement of the tide gates on Swantown Lake, also known as Swan Lake, and associated culverts crossing West Beach Road to an outfall. She questioned if the project will actually be completed, noting that county officials have been discussing it for at least 11 years.

“It’s hard to believe it’s taken that long,” she said.

Under the plan, the $1.29 million project will be constructed in 2024.

Road projects planned for this year include a partnership with the state to construct improved pedestrian access to the ferry and the park and ride. The total cost of the project is about $1.16 million.

Also, a $125,000 project will expand the Kettles Trail along Libbey Road. A $600,000 project will realign part of Penn Cove Road to prevent further shoulder and bluff deterioration. A $335,000 project will repair falling shoulders on Lagoon View Drive.

Road projects planned for future years include a $500,000 compact roundabout at the intersection of Main Street and Harbor Avenue in Freeland. Construction is planned for 2023.

The realignment of the intersection of Monkey Hill Road and Henni Road will cost about $2 million. Construction is planned for 2024.

Planned public access to an area zoned for light industrial activities on Crawford Road, a private road next to the Whidbey Airpark on South Whidbey, is scheduled to be constructed in 2027. The funding is not secured, but the project is estimated to cost $5.5 million.

The county and the state Department of Transportation are planning a $3.4 million project to widen shoulders on Highway 20, from Race Road to past Welcher Road.

Several of the projects in the Clean Water Utility Plan are aimed at improving salmon passage as well as drainage. In the next six years, replacement of aging culverts with new culverts that allow fish passage are planned for on East Harbor Road, North Bluff Road, Midvale Road, Columbia Beach Road, Scatchet Head and Race Road.