The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced that Kekaulike Avenue, closed since September 2024 for storm-related repairs, is set to reopen by noon tomorrow, April 17. The section between Waiakoa Road and 'Alae Road will once again be open to traffic, completing the work a full month ahead of the original schedule. This reopening marks the end of an eight-month construction project that has tested the patience of those accustomed to traveling this thoroughfare.
The repairs were necessitated by a severe weather event dating back to December 2021; Kekaulike Avenue was subsequently limited to one lane and was in dire need of stabilization which included a new box culvert, a retaining wall, and updated guardrails to ensure the safety of the road users These safety measures were essential in responding to the damage that left the road in a compromised state for over three years. HDOT has not only completed these required upgrades but has also managed to deliver on this much-needed improvement ahead of the time initially projected.
In a statement obtained by the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, HDOT expressed gratitude towards the public for their understanding during the construction period, acknowledging the impact that an eight-month road closure has on community and routine. With the road reopening imminently, it is anticipated that regular traffic flow will resume, benefitting the local businesses and residents who have been affected by the prolonged construction.
The agency has shared photos of the completed works on their official website, giving a visual confirmation of the enhancements made to Kekaulike Avenue. These images showcase the newly installed box culvert and retaining wall system, as well as the freshly placed guardrails, signaling a significant upgrade to the previously damaged roadway infrastructure.
