Highways

11/05/12

KAHULUI – State, county and federal officials topped-off the new Kahoma Stream Bridge in Lahaina today, as part of the Honoapiilani Highway Realignment Project, also known as the “Lahaina Bypass Road.”  Construction of the 360-foot, two-lane bridge structure, which spans the Kahoma Stream Gulch is a significant milestone in the first segment of the bypass road.

At an approximate cost of $24.3 million, the bridge utilizes an inverted tier arch design, which places support beams below the road surface rather than above.  This design was selected to minimize obstructions of ocean views for motorists and the Lahaina community.  The unique support beam design also eliminates the need for foundation pillars below the bridge, which will leave the Kahoma Stream unobstructed.  With the topping-off of the bridge, the first segment of the Lahaina Bypass, between Lahainaluna Road and the Keawe Street Extension, is anticipated to open in December.

“The opening of the first segment in December will give motorists a new alternate route over eight-tenths of a mile, bypassing the busiest tourist section of Lahaina Town,” said state Department of Transportation Director Glenn Okimoto.  “This will provide immediate relief for the Lahainaluna area that includes three large school campuses with approximately 2,300 students combined.”