HANALEI — A number of upcoming road closures are likely to make it more difficult for motorists to get around the north and northeast sides of Kaua‘i.
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation said Wednesday that there will be full nightly closures of Kuhio Highway between Hanalei Plantation Road and Ohiki Road beginning Tuesday, June 27.
The road closures, which are for the Hanalei Bridge Repair Project, are scheduled to take place from 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. on Sunday through Friday. There will be no closures scheduled on Friday and Saturday evenings.
First responders will be allowed through the work zone.
“The Hanalei bridge repairs will ensure continued use of the bridge,” the department of transportation said in a statement.
“Repairs include deck refurbishment, repairs to bridge trusses and stringers, replacement of post-tension rods, and painting to protect the structure from erosion. The duration of the nightly closures for the repairs is estimated at six months, weather permitting.”
A temporary bridge alternative was considered, but was not selected because of environmental impacts and associated permitting requirements.
While that work will be going on during the late evening to early morning hours, the county Department of Public Works has scheduled lane closures related to the peanut-shaped roundabout project in Kapa‘a.
The department and contractor Grace Pacific LLC said Wednesday that portions of Kawaihau, Haua‘ala and Mailihuna roads will be shuttered from Monday through Friday, June 26 to 30, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“The closure is necessary for roadway construction. During this time, lanes will be shifted to help accommodate the construction,” the department and contractor said in an update on the project.
“Please note that the intersection of Kawaihau Road, Hau‘a‘ala Road and Mailihuna Road will experience temporary road narrowing. Traffic control will be in place and will vary with each roadway.”
The project, which features a number of road improvements in the area, should be completed in November.
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Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.
