The damaged section of Kuhio Highway over Wailapa Stream that was over-whelmed by last Tuesday’s dam break will continue to be one-lane for two to four months until repairs are done. State transportation department spokesperson Scott Ishikawa said yesterday that
The damaged section of Kuhio Highway over Wailapa Stream that was over-whelmed by last Tuesday’s dam break will continue to be one-lane for two to four months until repairs are done.
State transportation department spokesperson Scott Ishikawa said yesterday that an approximate 25-foot drop on either side of the road has raised safety concerns. Additionally, he pointed out, shoulders on both sides of the road are gone.
Because of the drop, we decided we did not want drivers too close to the edge of the road, he said.
Although concrete barriers were put in place, Ishikawa pointed out that the department did not feel there was adequate room for two lanes, especially when large vehicles need to pass through.
Ishikawa noted that the department initiated paper-work for emergency road repair money from the federal Highway Administration.
He said that the project will cost several million dollars to reconstruct the road’s shoulders and to repave.
Ishikawa noted that the water but came up and over the road.
For the time being, as well, Ishikawa said the approximately quarter-mile section of the highway will remain one-lane. Drivers will take turns and be waved through by police or by other officials until repairs are made.
