Lihue town revitalization: Things to know, when to go

LIHUE — If you drive down Hardy Street, Eiwa Street, Umi Street, or go to park at the Pi’ikoi Parking lot, you will notice the ongoing construction that started in some streets as early as March and April and is scheduled to wrap up in January of next year, according to the county of Kauai.

The Lihue Town Core Mobility and Revitalization project is being completed by Kiewit Infrastructure and the County of Kauai through a $15.1 million in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant and a $2 million match for the county of Kauai.

Currently, the construction for Rice Steet is in phase 1A between Haleko Road and Kalena Street, eastbound, on weekdays, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., through July, weather pending. The scope of work for Rice Street Phase 1A construction consists of demolition and construction of road, sidewalk, driveways, and landscaping.

Traffic will continue on Rice Street throughout the duration of the project and area businesses will remain open during construction. Pedestrian access will be available with temporary detours clearly marked.

Dates of construction for future phases of the project are as follows:

• Rice Street Phase 1B: Rice Street, between Kalena Street to Ho‘olako Street, eastbound, July 15 to Sept. 15.

• Rice Street Phase 1C: Rice Street, between Ho‘olako Street to Kalena Street, westbound, Sept. 15 to Nov. 15.

• Rice Street Phase 1D: Rice Street, between Kalena Street to Haleko Road, westbound, Nov. 15 to Jan. 15, 2020.

Additionally, construction continues for the Civic Center to Convention Hall shared use path and Eiwa Street between Hardy Street and Rice Street.

Work completed this week included: Sidewalk survey and sawcut— south side of Rice Street between Haleko St. and Ewalu Street.

Work next week will include: Sidewalk demolition and construction— South side of Rice Street between Haleko St. and Eiwa Street.

According to the project’s website, revitalizelihuetown.com, construction activities will include demolition and grading for new concrete curb and gutter, sidewalks, parking and driveway paving, installation of drainage structures and improvements, installation of concrete curb and gutter and sidewalks, parking and driveway paving, installation of bus shelters, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, traffic signals, landscaping and site furnishings, asphalt paving and restriping of roadway.

Bus service will remain as scheduled throughout the course of the project, but there will be temporary movement of several of the stops to allow for construction. The temporary bus stops will be near their current locations.