Department of Transportation

Completion of first phase of lower slope stabilization in Wainiha allowed for the modification to the weight restriction.

 LIHUE – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is increasing the weight restriction on the 2-mile single lane route on Kuhio Highway (Route 560) between Waikoko and Wainiha from 5 tons to 8 tons, effective Thursday, May 31, 2018.

“With the completion of the first phase of the shotcrete and soil nail wall we’re confident that the slope below Kuhio Highway in Wainiha is stable enough to accommodate slightly heavier loads,” explained Hawaii Department of Transportation Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen. “I really want to thank our staff and the contractors that are out there working to get Kuhio Highway back up for the residents of Wainiha and Haena.”

Access to Wainiha and Haena remains limited to residents and recovery workers with county-issued placards or preclearance from the Kauai Emergency Management Agency. Speed and weight restrictions remain in effect along the 2-mile route; with a speed limit of 5 mph in some areas and 15 mph elsewhere along the single lane and a 16,000-pound (8 ton) weight restriction—excepting emergency response vehicles authorized by HDOT.

Following the completion of safety work, such as guardrail installation and rock scaling, HDOT anticipates allowing limited access without escorts to Kuhio Highway between Waikoko and Wainiha. Weight and speed restrictions will remain in place and a one-lane yield restriction will be placed on up to five sites where the lower slope was washed out.

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