Hanapepe Bridge closing for construction

HANAPEPE — The county’s Department of Public Works and Kiewit West Infrastructure Co., the general contractor for the construction work, announced on Wednesday that the Hanapepe Bridge on Hanapepe Road will be under an extended closure from July 22 through April 22, 2025, for construction.

A traditional Hawaiian blessing with Kumu Hula Troy Allen Hinano Lazaro followed the announcement on Thursday for the work on the $3 million project that will include replacing the pedestrian walkway, spalled concrete repairs to the bridge abutments, piers, deck reinforcement and thickening of the bridge deck, and an overlay with a new asphalt surface and other repairs.

Construction work will take place on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The bridge will be closed throughout the period.

A Kiewit representative noted the bridge was constructed in 1911 and its historical appearance will remain the same.

Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and Kumu Lazaro spoke of the significance of the Hanapepe space. Kawakami’s ancestors arrived to Kaua‘i at the nearby Port Allen Harbor and Lazaro’s relative grew up “near the coconut tree farther upriver.”

With the bridge being closed for this extended period of time, the county asks motorists to make the appropriate arrangements to accommodate the necessary road closures, use alternative routes, follow all detour signs, drive with caution and allow for extra time to get to destinations.

Dates and times of work are subject to change depending on weather and other factors.

For people with questions, contact Greg Uyematsu or Gibson Scott of Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. at 808-674-1088.

People may also contact Aidan Smith,or Nick Jefferies of the County of Kaua‘i Engineering Division at 808-241-4883, or email pwengineering@kauai.gov.

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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.