Highways

Rough schedule for completion puts needed upgrade of the 3 Ws 78 days from submission of Section 106 documents.

 LIHUE – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announces the addition of a 10 p.m. Wainiha to Waikoko convoy and a 10:30 p.m. Waikoko to Wainiha convoy to the schedule for local access via Kuhio Highway (Route 560) to Wainiha and Haena.

The new schedule for local access to begin Wednesday, May 30, 2018, is:

Monday through Saturday

• 6 a.m. First trip from Waikoko to Wainiha.
• 6:30 a.m. First trip from Wainiha to Waikoko, to include shuttle.
• 8:30 a.m. Waikoko to Wainiha.
• 9 a.m. Wainiha to Waikoko.
• 12 p.m. Waikoko to Wainiha.
• 12:20 p.m. Wainiha to Waikoko, to include shuttle.
• 12:40 p.m. Waikoko to Wainiha, to include shuttle.
• 1 p.m. Wainiha to Waikoko.
• From 5 to 6:30 p.m. local residents will be escorted through the closure on an alternating basis, and the checkpoints will be locked at 7 p.m.
• Beginning Wednesday, May 30, a 10 p.m. Wainiha to Waikoko trip will be added. A 10:30 p.m. Waikoko to Wainiha trip will be the last trip of the day. Note: The start time for the late-night convoy trips may be adjusted according to need.

Sunday

• Limited local access is available on an alternating basis between the hours of 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• The first trip begins at 7 a.m. from Waikoko to Wainiha. A pilot vehicle will escort placarded vehicles under 10,000 pounds from the checkpoint to the other side of the closure in Wainiha. The pilot vehicle will then escort vehicles from Wainiha to Waikoko and continue on an alternating basis until approximately 6:30 p.m. when the vehicle will lead the last caravan of the day from Wainiha to the Waikoko checkpoint.

As a reminder, the single lane route is available to Wainiha and Haena residents only as well as precleared recovery workers and volunteers. Those without county-issued placards or preclearance from the Kauai Emergency Management Agency will not be allowed through the checkpoints for their safety, the safety of the construction crews, and to avoid additional damage to the roadway. 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 10,000-pound (5 ton) weight restriction—excepting emergency response vehicles authorized by HDOT.

HDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is holding a meeting to gather community input on the Kuhio Highway slope repairs and the upgrades of the Waioli, Waipa, and Waikoko (also known as the 3 Ws) bridges pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (amended 2006). The scope of the emergency work to clear and stabilize the highway includes soil nail and anchor wall stabilization at sites in Waikoko and Wainiha; slope stabilization to include rock scaling at 14 identified scour sites; and, replacement of the 3 Ws to facilitate these emergency repairs.

HDOT is seeking FHWA Emergency Relief (ER) funding for the emergency repairs to Kuhio Highway, including the work on the 3 Ws, and has already received $8 million in quick release ER funds. ER funding is provided on a cost-share basis for repair or reconstruction of highways damaged as a result of natural disasters. Projects receiving federal funding are considered a federal action and undertaking and a consultation with community members and Native Hawaiian Organizations with cultural knowledge, cultural or religious attachment, or concerns regarding the proposed project area must be performed. The May 29 meeting at Hanalei Elementary School is part of the Section 106 consultation process.

A late-night Waikoko to Wainiha convoy will be provided to facilitate community attendance. The convoy will start following the conclusion of the meeting, but no later than 10:30 p.m. Meeting details are:

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (brief presentation at 6:30 p.m.)

Hanalei Elementary School Cafeteria (5-5415 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei)

The meeting focus will range from locations identified for repair, design, construction, general timing, historic properties, and all other general project concerns. If you require special accommodations at the meeting, please contact the HDOT Project Manager, Mr. Lawrence Dill. Mr. Dill can be reached by phone at (808) 241-3000, by email at [email protected], or by letter addressed to 1720 Haleukana Street, Lihue, HI 96766.

Once the Section 106 requirements are met, HDOT anticipates completion of the replacement of the 3 Ws within 78 working days. The bridge work will require night closures and will be timed to allow the evening convoy between Waikoko and Wainiha to continue.

Following the completion of safety work, such as guardrail installation and rock scaling, HDOT anticipates allowing limited access 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 the two sites where the lower slope was washed out. The road up to Kee Beach may also be restricted to high clearance vehicles.

###