Jurassic Gate closed

WAILUA — Loop Road in Wailua has been closed past the point known as “Jurassic Gate” temporarily, after recent rains created muddy conditions and caused trees to fall over the dirt road.

Hazardous conditions include sinkholes and pits along the roadway, dense mud and thick branches strewn across the roadway, and the state is asking people to stay away from the area until repairs can be made.

The point gains its nickname from a leftover prop from the movie “Jurrasic Park” — the iconic gate that welcomes visitors to the dinosaur park. It’s located about 3.5 miles from the Keahua Arboretum, following an unpaved road, also known as Wailua Management Road, according to the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources.

In the best of conditions, a four-wheel drive vehicle is needed for taking on most of Loop Road.

Now, the section of the road beyond “Jurassic Gate” is closed to all members of the public, as well as all forms of traffic — even people on foot.

“Pedestrian traffic is not encouraged due to the difficulty the area presents for emergency services to respond in the event of an accident,” said DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward in a news release. “Emergency repairs will be made as soon as is feasable.”