The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation opened the Ala Moana Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge on Thursday. The bridge crosses six lanes of traffic between the Kaka‘ako area and Ala Moana Beach Park and Kewalo Basin. The $17.8 million project was funded by the U.S. DOT’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program (80%) and State Highway Funds (20%). Victoria Ward Limited contributed land and covered design and environmental documentation costs, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation.
Gloria M. Shepherd, Executive Director of the Federal Highway Administration, said, “The Federal Highway Administration is pleased to celebrate the opening of the new Ala Moana elevated walkway that separates pedestrians from traffic and improves safety for everyone.” Construction included heavy machinery and occasional road closures. The bridge is intended to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity, as reported by the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation.
The Ala Moana Pedestrian Bridge has been completed. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation director Ed Sniffen said, "The Ala Moana Pedestrian Bridge has been eagerly anticipated by many." The bridge is part of a larger plan for Ward Village, which includes the expansion of Victoria Ward Park next year to add more public spaces. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation also stated, "HDOT extends a deep mahalo to the Ala Moana and Kaka‘ako communities for their patience during the construction of the pedestrian bridge and welcomes all to visit the walkway." Images and drone footage of the bridge are available with credit to Ward Village through links in the original Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation blog post.
