HONOLULU — The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) will be further restricting vehicle loading over the Paumalu Stream Bridge to 15 tons. HDOT has been attempting to allow maximum usage of the structure while repairs were being planned. However, a recent inspection has provided information that indicates load restrictions should be lowered to ensure the bridge is not structurally compromised prior to installation of the temporary repairs. The 15 ton restrictions will begin Wednesday morning, April 27, 2016. HDOT will be placing additional signage and Motor Vehicle Safety Officers in advance of the bridge to ensure no vehicles exceeding the 15 ton limit cross the bridge. HDOT has made an exception to the load restrictions for City buses and school buses.
The Paumalu Stream Bridge on Kamehameha Highway, is located between Paumalu Place and Ke Nui Road, near Sunset Beach. The bridge weight limit was modified as a precautionary measure after inspectors found further deterioration on some of the bridge’s concrete support pillars. HDOT is continuing daily inspections to track the condition of the bridge.
HDOT expects to begin repairs of Paumalu Stream Bridge that will allow for load restrictions to be increased to 25 tons by mid-May. Repairs are expected to be completed by early June, weather permitting. During the repair process, HDOT will keep the two lanes through the bridge area open. However, intermitted single lane closures will be required for the repairs.
The speed limit over the bridge remains 25 miles per hour. Access for two-way traffic and emergency vehicles will remain normal. Portable message boards have been set up to notify motorists approaching the bridge area. Motorists are urged to follow all weight and speed restrictions and to heed signage posted in the area in order to prevent further damage which could lead to closing the bridge entirely. Vehicles that exceed the weight limits will be turned around.
HDOT will continue to issue notifications of work on this bridge and will alert the public of lane closures through the HDOT roadwork website at: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/
###