Island of Hawai’i, HI – Motorists across the Big Island should prepare for potential traffic disruptions next week, April 20th through April 26th, due to a variety of highway maintenance, engineering, and traffic projects. The Department of Transportation has announced a schedule of activities that will impact traffic flow in several districts.
Bridge Closures and Detours in Hamakua:
Significant delays are expected in the Hamakua district due to multiple bridge closures for ongoing engineering work. The following bridges will be closed 24 hours a day from April 20th to April 26th:
- Ka’ahakini Bridge & Kolekole Bridge: Located on Old Māmalahoa Hwy just north of Kawiki Homestead Road & at Kolekole Beach Park. Detour using Chin Chuck and Kanna Road.
- Kaiwilahilahi Bridge: Located on Old Māmalahoa Hwy between Pāpa‘aloa Country Store & Cafe/U.S. Post office and Pāpa‘aloa Hongwonji Mission. Detour using Pāpa‘aloa Avenue or Old Māmalahoa Highway.
- Honoli’i Bridge: Located on Kahoa Street. Detour will be via a marked detour route.
- Makea Bridge: Located on Kaupakuea Homestead Road – north of Andrade Rd. The temporary bridge will be open due to the detour route being closed.
Other Roadwork Disruptions:
In addition to the bridge closures, motorists can expect the following:
- Hamakua: Bridge maintenance on Hamakua Pāpa`aloa Makai Road/Kaiwilahilahi bridge will necessitate a road closure with flaggers directing traffic daily from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, April 21st to April 25th. Paving prep work on Jardine Road in Hamakua will also cause partial lane closures with flaggers directing traffic during the same hours.
- South Kohala: Shoulder maintenance on Luakula Street will result in partial lane closures with flaggers directing traffic from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, April 21st to April 25th. Waikōloa Road: Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy to Mamalahoa Highway will have misc work during 8am-5pm
- North Kohala: Shoulder maintenance will occur on Akoni Pule HWY 270 at Mile Marker 26, causing partial lane closures with flaggers directing traffic from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, April 21st to April 25th.
- Puna: Shoulder maintenance is scheduled for Hwy 132 & “Lava Tree” and Wa
a Waa road, and will also include tree trimming on Waa Waa road. Expect partial lane closures and flaggers directing traffic from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, April 21st to April 25th. - Kona: Shoulder maintenance will be performed on Ali
i Drive, and paving prep work will be done on Alii Drive (one way), causing partial lane closures with flaggers directing traffic from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, April 21st to April 25th. - Hilo: Paving prep work is scheduled for Kanna Road, causing partial lane closures with flaggers directing traffic from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, April 21st to April 25th. On Pauahi Street, bridge striping and misc work will be taking place from 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. On Kilauea Ave. & Keawe Street: Ponahawai to Waianuenue., shoulder work will be done from 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.
- South Hilo: Lane striping is scheduled for Pauahi Street Bridge with misc work with no work scheduled on Lanikaula Street: Kilauea Ave. to Manono Street.
- South Hilo/Stainback Hwy & W. Kawailani St: Expect officers directing traffic and minor delays, from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm.
- North Kona/Hualalai Rd: Expect officers and traffic control directing traffic and minor delays, from 8:00 am – 1:30 pm.
Important Considerations:
- Motorists are advised to drive with caution in all work zones.
- Be prepared to stop or slow down as directed by flaggers and law enforcement.
- Allow for extra travel time to reach destinations.
- All work is weather permitting and subject to change.
The Department of Transportation appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as they work to improve the island’s infrastructure. Stay informed and drive safely.