LIHU‘E — The Wailua Bridge is now accommodating three lanes of traffic, two heading northbound, except during contra flow on weekday mornings when two lanes are designated for Lihu‘e-bound traffic. Tammy Mori, DOT spokeswoman, said work on widening the two
LIHU‘E — The Wailua Bridge is now accommodating three lanes of traffic, two heading northbound, except during contra flow on weekday mornings when two lanes are designated for Lihu‘e-bound traffic.
Tammy Mori, DOT spokeswoman, said work on widening the two bridges over the Wailua River is ahead of schedule.
“The relief is soon, and in sight. That’s the good news,” she said. Crews have been working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays, in order to get the work done, said Mori.
Each lane is only 10 feet wide, narrower than standard highway lane width, according to a press release from Bow Construction Management.
Motorists are advised to drive cautiously through the area, to avoid changing lanes while on the bridge and to be courteous to other drivers and bicycle riders. The speed limit in this area is 15 mph due to ongoing construction.
The reconfiguration of lanes is due to the closing of the Wailua Cane Haul Bridge on Jan. 13 for replacement and widening. The new cane haul bridge is expected to reopen in July.
Contractors say it is safest to drive through the area rather than walk. Pedestrians are recommended to exercise caution when crossing Kuhio Highway, staying on the mauka side and using crosswalks at the intersection of the highway and Haleilio Road.
In addition, construction companies working in the area are using part of the Wailua Beach parking area.
For more information, contact Sujatha Ramaraju, Unlimited Builders, 212-9903, or Alex Pascual, Bow Construction Management Service, 212-9885.
