Travelers in the Māʻili area should brace for some disruptions as the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) embarks on the next phase of the Maʻipalaoa Bridge project. According to the latest update, today, Sept. 20, westbound Farrington Highway will see a full closure from 10 p.m. until the following morning at 7 a.m. The closure facilitates the pouring of concrete for one part of the bridge's deck—a key step in the ongoing construction efforts.
For those navigating this area, it means readjusting their routes. The eastbound lanes of Farrington Highway will operate under a two-way contraflow system to accommodate traffic during the overnight work window. Additionally, on the same day prior to the full closure, a single-lane will be closed westbound from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for drainage work, as reported by HDOT.
The ongoing construction, part of Phase 3 of the bridge replacement initiative, does not end there. After a three-day strength test on the freshly poured concrete, crews are slated to proceed with the second pour on Friday, Sept. 27, if the quality checks out. This daytime work will involve a single lane closure again, this time impacting traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Earlier this week, work crews also accomplished removal of partially submerged concrete piles—another stride towards the project's advancement.
As the Maʻipalaoa Bridge project moves forward, the community can expect additional updates and disruptions. Sidewalk installation, asphalt paving, and the placement of temporary signs and striping will unfold in the near future. With each of these steps, HDOT urges the public to exercise caution and patience. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time and plan their trips with the closures in mind. Detailed weekly closure updates can be found on the HDOT website, ensuring drivers stay informed of what's to come.
