Department of Transportation

Heavy machinery to be transported from Waikoloa Road to Kalapana for use in preparation of lower Puna evacuation route.

 HILO – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announces potential traffic delays as heavy machinery is transported from the vicinity of Waikoloa Road to Kalapana for use in preparation of lower Puna evacuation routes this morning. There will be intermittent road closures from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Waikoloa Road to Kalapana at the end of Highway 130.

Waikoloa Road, Saddle Road, Puainako Street, Highway 11, and Highway 130 will be affected with intermittent road closures.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution and expect delays as police escorts will have to block the entire roadway in certain areas to allow for the large transport trucks to safely transverse this route to the final destination at Kalapana.

HDOT thanks the community for their patience and understanding as we continue to work with federal, state, and county partners to ensure accessibility for the residents remaining in lower Puna.

Please contact Hawaii District Engineer Donald Smith at 933-8866 if you have further questions on today’s transport operation.

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