KAPA‘A — A daily average of 32,500 vehicles drive between Wailua River and Coconut Marketplace in Waipouli, according to the state Department of Transportation.
KAPA‘A — A daily average of 32,500 vehicles drive between Wailua River and Coconut Marketplace in Waipouli, according to the state Department of Transportation.
Starting Monday, the DOT’s Highway Division will begin construction between Kuamo‘o Road and the Kapa‘a bypass road for a second southbound lane on Kuhio Highway.
The long-awaited fourth lane on the highly-trafficked road is estimated to cost about $17 million, using 80% federal funds and 20% state money. The project has an anticipated completion date of spring 2023.
DOT said the Kuhio Highway Short-Term Improvements Project will improve traffic congestion through the Kapa‘a-Wailua stretch between mile-markers 5.9 and 6.6. This is about the start of where DOT’s contraflow operations begin going southbound on weekdays. The new lane will pass in front of the former Coco Palms Resort.
“This has truly been a collaborative effort to improve the quality of life for residents and business owners,” Gov. David Ige said in a release. “I truly appreciate the partnership that has gone into addressing the needs of the community, mitigation of cultural impacts and wildlife concerns as we prepared this much-needed project.”
The project will also include guardrails, sidewalks and curb ramps.
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Sabrina Bodon, public safety and government reporter, can be reached at 245-0441 or sbodon@thegardenisland.com.
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
