Alii Drive fronting Coconut Grove Marketplace will be restricted to one lane of travel 24 hours a day starting Tuesday.
The full-time closure of one lane follows the start of repair work on a sinkhole that developed in late December due to undermining of the seawall that fronts Oneo Bay. Initially, Hawaii County determined that traffic would be reduced to one lane of alternating travel between Hualalai and Walua roads from 7 a.m. to sunset Monday through Friday, however, “construction conditions” have prompted the 24-hour lane closure.
The roadway will be reduced to one lane between Hualalai and Walua roads through the duration of the project. At the start of the project, the county anticipated work would last three to four weeks.
“It’s possible that Alii Drive may be completely closed within the work zone if the road becomes unstable during excavation work,” a press release from the Hawaii County Department of Public Works reads. “Road crews may also work on Saturdays to ensure the repairs are completed as expeditiously as possible.”
Repairs to the sinkhole include repairing road damage caused by erosion, as well as stabilizing the area surrounding the sinkhole to prevent future erosion. The makai shoulder of the road, which has been closed to pedestrians since the sinkhole appeared in late December, will remain closed while repairs are performed.
Motorists are advised to be aware of traffic delays and to drive with caution in the work zone. Signs will be posted on Alii Drive advising motorists of the roadwork and traffic signals will be installed on Alii Drive at either end of Coconut Grove Marketplace to facilitate traffic flow.
Denise Laitinen, Public Works spokeswoman, said previously the work is being performed under an emergency contract. The project entails repairing road damage caused by erosion, as well as stabilizing the area surrounding the sinkhole to prevent future erosion.
“As for cost estimate, it is difficult to provide at this time because crews are unsure of conditions they may encounter as the work proceeds,” she said.
The makai shoulder of the road, which has been closed to pedestrians since the sinkhole appeared Dec. 24, 2019, will remain closed while repairs are performed.
Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the work zone. Signs will be posted advising motorists of the roadwork and traffic control personnel will be posted in the area to facilitate traffic movement.
