Highways

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) advises Oahu motorists that the northbound or makai lane on Kamehameha Highway near Kaaawa Valley Road and Kanenelu Beach in Kaaawa is closed until further notice. Traffic will continue to be contraflowed in the southbound or mauka lane as a precaution.

The shoulder portion of the Highway has been undermined by high surf which damaged some of the asphalt and a guardrail. Crews began assessing the damage Thursday, Feb. 11 and placed existing boulders in the compromised area to help prevent further erosion. Crews are working on repairs within the HDOT right of way. Possible immediate solutions to restore two-way traffic include moving the roadway mauka and narrowing the lanes. No overnight work is scheduled at this time.

Kamehameha Highway is vital to the transportation system as it completes the circular flow around Oahu. Permanent repair options are being planned, which could include reinforcing the roadway with controlled low strength material (CLSM) or other infrastructure improvements. HDOT is coordinating with Federal, State and County agencies that may be involved in the permitting process.

The public is urged to drive with caution in the area. A police officer or flagger will direct traffic 24 hours a day as long as the single lane closure is necessary. Priority will be granted to emergency vehicles. Drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible. 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, including GoAkamai.org, for estimated drive times prior to starting your trip.

“We are working to make the repairs as quickly as possible with the least amount of impact to residents, businesses and visitors,” said Ed Sniffen, HDOT Highways Division Deputy Director. “The area in question is within half a mile of a separate shoreline project we completed last fall. We are expediting additional permanent projects that will address the shoreline issues in the area.”

HDOT will continue to update the public as decisions are finalized or if there are changes to the traffic control plans. Please monitor 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.

Photo Courtesy: HDOT or Hawaii Department of Transportation

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