Attention motorists planning to navigate Puʻunēnē Avenue this Friday: the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) is advising the public to anticipate possible slowdowns due to a series of roving lane closures necessary for soil sample drilling. This initiative is a preparatory step for the forthcoming Puʻunēnē Avenue improvements project. According to an announcement by HDOT, these disruptions will be in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., as alternating lanes in both southbound and northbound directions between Wākea Avenue and Kūihelani Highway will temporarily close to enable the drilling work.
Travelers can still expect to find one lane open in each direction at all times to maintain through traffic. This schedule is designed to cause minimal interference, though some impatience might need to be endured. The end goal is to lay groundwork for a project aimed at not only improving roadway safety but also to significantly enhance the circulation of freight and vehicle traffic along Puʻunēnē Avenue.
Looking beyond the immediate inconvenience, the HDOT's soil sample drilling is part of the design-build phase that will ultimately lead to a significant overhaul of Puʻunēnē Avenue. One of the primary objectives is widening the avenue from two to four lanes between Wākea Avenue and Kūihelani Highway, a development that promises to create a more efficient artery for the thoroughfare from Kahului to Wailea.
As the project progresses, HDOT urges all drivers to strictly abide by the posted signage and traffic controls and to navigate cautiously around the work areas. Motorists are encouraged to plan for a bit extra travel time on Friday and to remain vigilant to ensure a safe environment for both the work crews and fellow drivers.
