Article

The Belfair Bypass project, or Highway 3 Freight Corridor, has been reinstated in Washington's updated transportation budget, aimed at improving traffic flow in North Mason. The revised budget allocates $43.803 million for 2025-2027 and $24.653 million for 2027-2029, following earlier proposed cuts that would have delayed the project.

Right-of-way acquisition is set to begin in 2026. Local representatives emphasized the project's importance for freight mobility and regional development, particularly in light of increased traffic anticipated from Navy construction at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The vote on the transportation budget is scheduled for February 28.