Highways

State, county and federal officials topped-off construction of the new Kahoma Stream Bridge in Lahaina today, a part of the Honoapiilani Highway Realignment Project. The new two-lane, 360 foot bridge which spans the Kahoma Stream Gulch is anticipated to open in December 2012.

The sixth annual Hawaii Construction Career Days event took place today at the Hilo Civic Auditorium, providing nearly 900 students from 20 Big Island schools with career guidance from construction industry, trade and educational representatives. Students also received hands-on experience with specialized heavy equipment and trade tools.

The state Department of Transportation announces the opening of the Karsten Thot Bridge in Wahiawa beginning Friday, October 19, at 5 a.m. The speed limit will be reduced to 15 mph from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily, as work will continue under the bridge. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

The state Department of Transportation advises Oahu motorists that the northbound lane of traffic across the bridge will be opened for passenger vehicle traffic only beginning Monday, October 15, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays, for the duration of the project. The DOT urges motorists to use caution and proceed slowly over the bridge. We appreciate the communities' patience during this time.

The state Department of Transportation invites the public to an informational meeting regarding the Puainako Street Widening project on Tuesday, October 16, at 5:30 p.m., at the Waiakea Intermediate School Cafeteria. The meeting will inform the community that the project is restarting and provide an overview of progress to date. All are welcomed.

The state DOT would like to update the Big Island Community on the current work status of the second phase for the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project. The project will add two additional lanes, a median, and a new signalized intersection at the entrance of the National Park. Click on the link above for more details.

The Karsten Thot Bridge repair work traffic detour will be modified beginning Wed. morning, Sept. 19. The Honolulu-bound lane on the bridge will be open for passenger vehicles and school buses only on Mon. through Fri., from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., daily, excluding holidays. DOT is working with the Honolulu Police Department and the area military to mitigate traffic issues.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today joined representatives of the DOT, the four county police departments, the Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition (KIPC) and other child passenger safety advocates to kick off “Child Passenger Safety Week in Hawai‘i” with a proclamation signing and news conference at The Queen’s Medical Center.

The state Department of Transportation advises Oahu motorist of a full closure on Kamehameha Highway in both directions between Kilani Avenue and Whitmore Avenue beginning at midnight on Sunday, September 16, for Karsten Thot Bridge repairs. During this time traffic will be detoured to Wilikina Drive and Kamananui Road. The bridge will not be accessible for approximately 6 weeks until construction is completed.

DOT and Gov. Abercrombie celebrated the completion of the first segment of the Kaumualii Highway Widening Project and broke ground on the next phase in a ceremony in Lihue. The first segment widened the highway from two-to-four-lanes from Anonui Road, west of the Kauai Community College campus, over 1.8-miles to the approach to the Lihue Mill Bridge. New bike lanes and sidewalks were also added to help keep cyclists and pedestrians safe.