The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is taking action to combat erosion on Kamehameha V Highway near Waialua Stream. According to a recent report from HDOT, part of Route 450 has been undermined, prompting immediate efforts to preserve the roadway’s integrity.
Motorists are advised to anticipate single-lane traffic at mile post 18.7 while alternating traffic through the construction zone, where crews, stationed at the site, have begun to place cones and barriers this week. Temporary safeguards, such as sandbags, are also being strategically piled alongside the compromised asphalt stretches.
Commencing this past Tuesday, the essential repairs include rebuilding the road's foundation and installing shoreline protection measures. Workers are tasked with filling voids beneath and beside the road using rock-filled geotextile containers, which act as a stopgap against further erosion.
The project is in full swing and expected to wrap up come early February. "Paving of the roadway along with the installation of traffic markings and delineators is anticipated to occur in April," the HDOT report detailed. Considering the scope of work, the department urges drivers to factor in potential delays when travelling through the area and to exercise caution around the ongoing construction operations.
For those living on or visiting Moloka‘i, it's important to stay informed about traffic advisories and any schedule changes due to ongoing construction. Keeping up to date will help minimize inconvenience and ensure the safety of both the public and highway workers during the repair period.
