North Shore closures will likely occur in early December by Amanda C. Gregg – THE GARDEN ISLAND As the state plans to overhaul North Shore bridges in Wainiha before Christmas, residents can expect the work to result in several overnight
North Shore closures will likely occur in early December
by Amanda C. Gregg – THE GARDEN ISLAND
As the state plans to overhaul North Shore bridges in Wainiha before Christmas, residents can expect the work to result in several overnight closures as well as one 24-hour closure.
For those concerned over access issues during the 24-hour road closure, Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa said contractors will have a boat to ferry people across during that span of time, similar to the service provided during the work done to the bridges in October 2004.
Though DOT officials do not yet know the exact dates the work will be done, it will likely begin in early December, he said.
State officials will host a meeting Thursday to answer questions and address concerns surrounding the work, Ishikawa said.
In addition to the meeting, the DOT will be issuing updates to plans through the media, he said.
Bridges and freeway overpasses throughout the state have been gaining the spotlight in the wake of the state’s Oct. 15, 2006, earthquake and the Aug. 1 Interstate 35W bridge collapse in Minnesota.
Over the past year, 38 O‘ahu bridges received special reinforcement and the state has drafted a list of 321 bridges that might need work to meet federal earthquake standards.
The DOT will conduct a public informational meeting to update the community on the replacements of Wainiha Bridges No. 1 and No. 3 at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hanalei Community Center at 5-5299 Kuhio Highway.
The meeting will provide an overview of recent events and also provide information on what area residents should expect over the next two to three months regarding bridge traffic patterns, weight load restrictions, essential and emergency services, and construction activities.
For more information, call the DOT Kaua‘i District Office at 241-3000.
• The Associated Press contributed to this report.
• Amanda C. Gregg, assistant editor/staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com.
