Highways

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) advises Oahu motorists it is making emergency repairs to prevent erosion on Kamehameha Highway near Kaaawa. The repairs will require the temporary closure of the northbound or makai lane on Kamehameha Highway near Kanenelu Beach. Traffic will be contraflowed in the southbound or mauka lane. Motorists should allow extra time when traveling through the area.

The work is scheduled through the Labor Day weekend and will begin Saturday, Sept. 3 through Monday, Sept. 5 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If weekday work is necessary, work hours will be adjusted to accommodate the morning commute. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 6 work will start at 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. No overnight work is planned. No weekend work is expected after the initial holiday weekend.

The project was made possible by the signing of the emergency supplemental proclamation by Governor David Ige, which allows HDOT to maintain the integrity of the highway. The damage is a result of recent high surf pounding the embankment and shoulder of the highway. Crews are working to make as much improvement as possible prior to Hurricane Lester and its impacts reaching the island.

The supplemental emergency proclamation and original emergency proclamation can be found here: https://governor.hawaii.gov/emergency-proclamations/

The work is in the general vicinity of previous repairs made earlier this year in Kaaawa. Crews will strategically place boulders in the compromised area and add controlled low strength material (CLSM) to help prevent further erosion. Crews will be working on repairs within the HDOT right of way.

The public is urged to drive with caution in the area or avoid the area if possible. A police officer or flagger will direct traffic as long as the single lane closure is necessary. Priority will be granted to emergency vehicles. Those on Oahu’s windward side or the North Shore may want to consider going through Honolulu and Wahiawa to reach their destination. Consult traffic/mapping applications or websites for estimated drive times prior to starting your trip.

Please monitor HDOT updates on Twitter @DOTHawaii or on Facebook by following the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Weekly lane closure information will be posted at the HDOT website at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/oahu

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