Hawaii Island Road Projects Update for February 2020
Here are some updates on County and State Road Projects around Hawaii Island.
Also, provide an update on Future Projects planned for Hawaii Island.
South Hilo:
Kalanianaole Avenue Widening Project (State and County): Road construction continues on the Kalanianaole Avenue Widening project, which began back in March of 2018 and is working to improve a section of Kalanianaole Avenue from Kanoelehua Avenue/Kamehameha Avenue intersection to Kuhio Street (entrance to Hilo Harbor), is expected to be completed in late October/Early November 2020. The project was over 55% complete as of February 6th.
Hilo Bayfront Highway and Waianuenue Avenue Intersection Improvements (Future Project - State): Planning and Design were completed and awaiting scheduling of advertisement of Bid Solicitation. No date was given when the project will start.
Highway 19 - Wailuku River Bridge Replacement (Future Project - State): Planning and Design were completed and awaiting scheduling of advertisement of Bid Solicitation. No date was given when the project will start. The bridge was rated as a high priority for replacement on the Hawai'i Department of Transportation List.
Puainako Street Realignment/Improvement Project (Future Project - State): Project is targeted to construct a realignment of Puainako Street from Komohana Street to Kawili Street and complete improvements from Kanoelehua Avenue to Kawili Street. The project is currently still in the planning and design phase and awaiting funding/scheduling of advertisement of Bid Solicitation. No date was given when the project will start.
Hamakua Coast (including North Hilo District):
Highway 19 Shoulder and Guardrail Improvements between Kalopa and Kamoali Bridges (State): Project will consist of new striping and markers, installing new signs, installing and adjusting guardrails, installing milled rumble strips, and upgrading the bridge railings.
Highway 19 Resurfacing between 30 to 37-Mile Markers (State): Resurfacing project planned for a section of Highway 19 in Hamakua for 2020. Project start date was not given at the time of the request.
Puna:
Volcano Road at Kipimana Street (State): Installation of a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Volcano Road (Highway 11) at Kipimana Street in Puna. The contract/bid was awarded to Isemoto Contracting Company, Ltd. and notice to proceed was given on 11/15/2019. No construction start date was given.
Highway 130 and Ainaloa Boulevard Intersection Improvements: Hawaii Department of Transportation announced funding for this project was just released and the contract was awarded to Jas W. Glover, LTD. No start date was given when construction will begin. Improvements include the construction of a roundabout with sidewalk, crosswalks, and drainage wells.
Ka'u:
Highway 11 Bridge Replacements at Hilea and Ninole Stream (State/Federal): Construction work continues on the Hilea and Ninole Stream bridges and work is expected to continue through 2020. Traffic has been rerouted onto a temporary bypass while construction crews demolish old wooden bridges in place and construct new concrete bridges. Crews remind motorists that the speed limit is 25 mph in the area.
Highway 11 at Kawa Flats Drainage Improvements (Future Project - State): Planning and Design phase still underway for this project and no date is given on when the project will go out to bid.
Highway 11 between Manuka to South Kona Boundary (State): Installation of permanent pavement markings and rumble strips continue and expected to continue through February 2020.
South Kona:
No road projects or construction were in progress/planned for the South Kona district as of February 6th, 2020.
North Kona:
Kahului Bay Bridge Replacement/Ali'i Drive Culvert Replacement (County): Construction work continues for Kahului Bay Bridge/Ali'i Drive Culvert Replacement project which started in 2019 and expected continue through May 2021. Lane closures are expected as the project continues.
Ali'i Drive Sinkhole Mitigation Work (County): Emergency Mitigation/Repair work began on January 27th, 2020 by Isemoto Contracting Co Ltd. Work is expected to continue until the end of February 2020.
Niumalu Marketplace Construction (Private): Work continues on the new Niumalu Marketplace in Kailua-Kona. Alahou Street improvements have been partially completed and Alahou Street between Henry Street and Lanihau Center will once again be shut down temporarily to allow crews to complete all improvement/connection work, however, no exact date was given when that will occur. Traffic Signal Installation at Henry Street on the mauka entrance of the Niumalu Marketplace is expected to begin by Spring 2020 and expected to wrap up before the opening of Nimalu Marketplace in Summer 2020.
Ane Keohokalole Highway Improvement at Hina Lani Street (County - Future Project): This project originally was expected to begin in May 2018, but later postponed due to the Kilauea Eruption in Leilani Estates. Improvements include moving of Street Lights, Drainage Culvert improvement, and installation of a right turn lane on Ane Keohokalole Highway and Hina Lani Street. No timeline was given on when work with once again begins.
Ane Keohokalole Highway Phase II (Hina Lani Street to Ka'iminani Drive) Extension (County - Future Project): Project was still in the design/consultation/planning phase. Funding for phase II is still pending at this time. No timeline was given on when work will commence.
Kuakini Highway Improvements from Hualalai Road to Walua Road/Oni Oni Street (Future Project - State): Project is currently awaiting funding and the planning/design phase was completed. No exact date when the project will start was given.
Highway 11 Widening/Improvement Project from Lako Street to Kamehameha III Road (Future Project - County): Planning and Design phase was completed and awaiting funding from the Hawai'i State Legislature and advertisement for Bid Solicitation. No date is given on when work is expected to begin.
South and North Kohala
Waikoloa Road/Paniolo Avenue/Pua Melia Street Intersection Improvements (County - Future): Planning and Design Phase involving community input/feedback/meetings scheduled for Spring 2020.
Highway 19 Widening Project from Mana Road to Mud Lane (County): The project includes widening of Mamalahoa Highway at eighteen intersections between Mud Lane and Mn Road; pavement reconstruction between Mn Road and Mokuloa Drive; construction of retaining walls; relocation of water lines; construction of drainage structures and drain lines, and installation of pavement markings, signing and guardrails. Work is expected to wrap up at the end of April 2020.
Highway 190 Safety Improvements between 3 to 7-mile marker (State): The planning and design phase was completed and awaiting award of contract. Work excepted to begin by the end of 2020. Improvements include milled centerline and shoulder rumble strip, upgrading existing guardrail, and installing/updating pavement signing and markings.