New Bridge Along Kuhio Highway To Ease Traffic Congestion
The Department of Transportation (DOT) advertised for bids on July 1, 2008 for the Wailua Cane Haul Bridge Widening project along Kuhio Highway. The project will replace the existing one-lane bridge with a widened two-lane bridge. The $23.5 million project will add an additional lane and a bicycle/pedestrian path across the Wailua River and provide much needed relief for motorists traveling between Lihu‘e and Kapa‘a.
HONOLULU – The Department of Transportation (DOT) advertised for bids on July 1, 2008 for the Wailua Cane Haul Bridge Widening project along Kuhio Highway. The project will replace the existing one-lane bridge with a widened two-lane bridge. The $23.5 million project will add an additional lane and a bicycle/pedestrian path across the Wailua River and provide much needed relief for motorists traveling between Lihu‘e and Kapa‘a.
Approximately 43 percent of Kaua‘i residents and nearly half the visitor units are located north of Wailua River.
“Kuhio Highway is a major lifeline of Kaua‘i’s economy and impacts everyone’s quality of life. It is important we provide solutions today to help address the current traffic congestion and plan for the future,” said Brennon Morioka, Director for the Department of Transportation.
The existing concrete bridge, which currently carries one lane of traffic in the northbound direction, will be replaced with a widened pre-fabricated metal deck. The new bridge will allow for two lanes of vehicular traffic and a separate bicycle/pedestrian path. This project was highlighted by the level of collaboration between the State and the County. Although this bridge project is a state DOT project, in order to expedite the process, the County of Kaua‘i designed the bike/pedestrian path.
“We are very pleased that the Wailua Cane Haul Bridge project is moving forward. It will provide much-needed relief for our residents in one of the busiest corridors on the island,” said Kaua‘i Mayor Bill “Kaipo” Asing. “Through collaborations between government entities, solutions can be found to enhance the lives of our citizens.”
Other improvements include constructing retaining walls, widening the roadway from North Leho Drive to Kuamo‘o Road, relocating utilities, and installing pavement striping, signing, and marking.
Federal funds, secured through efforts of the congressional delegation, will be covering 80 percent of the total project cost.
The construction contract is expected to be awarded in September 2008 with construction beginning in January 2009 and completed by June 2010.
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