Island of Hawai’i, HI – Motorists across the Big Island should prepare for traffic disruptions and potential delays next week as the Department of Transportation conducts a variety of highway maintenance and construction projects. From bridge closures to paving operations, numerous areas will be affected between April 6th and April 12th.
Bridge Closures and Detours:
Significant disruptions are expected in the Hamakua district due to several bridge closures for engineering work. These closures will be in effect 24 hours a day from April 6th to April 12th:
- Ka’ahakini Bridge & Kolekole Bridge: A complete closure is in place on Old Māmalahoa Hwy, just north of Kawiki Homestead Road and at Kolekole Beach Park. Motorists are advised to use Chin Chuck and Kanna Road as a detour.
- Kaiwilahilahi Bridge: This bridge is closed on Old Māmalahoa Hwy between the Pāpa‘aloa Country Store & Cafe/U.S. Post office and Pāpa‘aloa Hongwonji Mission. Use Pāpa‘aloa Avenue or Old Māmalahoa Highway as a detour.
- Honolii Bridge: Located on Kahoa Street, this bridge is closed with a marked detour route in place.
A temporary bridge is open on Kaupakuea Homestead Road in South Hilo, north of Andrade Rd., as the detour route is closed for the Makea Bridge.
Highway Maintenance:
From April 7th to April 11th, between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, various highway maintenance activities will occur, leading to partial lane closures and potential delays. Flaggers will be on site to direct traffic. These activities include:
- Bridge Maintenance: The Hamakua Pāp‘aloa Makai Road/Kaiwilahilahi bridge will be closed 24/7.
- Shoulder and Road Maintenance: Expect work in Hamakua (Pohakea, Ninole), South Kohala (Luakula & Akon Pule HWY 270 MM 26), Puna (Hwy 132 “Lava Tree” & Volcano Golf Course), and Kona (Māmalahoa / Holualoa).
- Paving and Preparation: Paving and preparation work will take place in Hamakua (Loyola Road & Niupea Road), Waimea (Hale Ali‘i), and Kona (Ali‘i Drive) and Hilo (Kanna Road).
- Speed Hump Installation: Expect work in S. Kohala Pāp‘aloa.
Construction Projects:
Several ongoing construction projects will continue throughout the week, but are reported to have no work and are not expected to cause significant traffic delays:
- Kilauea/Keawe Rehab., Ponahawai to Waiānuenue (S. Hilo)
- Lanikaula Street Rehab., Kilauea Ave. to Manono St (S. Hilo)
- Māmalahoa Hwy Rehab., Kamalani Street to Kalamauka Road (Kona)
- Waipio Valley Road (Hamakua)
- Waiānuenue Ave. Rehab., Kaiulani Street to Rainbow Drive (S. Hilo)
Other Projects:
- Pauahi Street Bridge Shoulder/Crosswalk work is taking place on Aupuni Street in South Hilo, near the Aupuni Center Driveway from April 6th to April 12th, between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm.
- Waikoloa Road Rehab is ongoing throughout the week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, between Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy to Mamalahoa Highway in South Kohala and will require intermittent lane shifts.
Traffic Control:
- Installation of Pavement Markings: Expect officers directing traffic and minor delays at the following locations:
- Banyan Dr (fronting Maniloa Hotel) in South Hilo, from April 6th to April 12th, between 8:30am and 2:00pm
- W. Kawailani St (Hwy 11 to Puhau St) in South Hilo, from April 6th to April 12th, between 8:30am and 2:00pm
- Manawalea St / Kealakaa St in North Kona (Speed Tables), from April 6th to April 12th, between 8:00am to 1:30pm
The DOT advises motorists to drive with caution in work zones, observe posted speed limits, and be prepared for delays. The schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Stay updated on road closures and traffic alerts by visiting the DOT website or local news outlets.