Northbound traffic on Alii Drive will be shifted to a temporary bridge in the vicinity of the Kona Tiki Hotel starting Wednesday as work progresses to replace a deteriorating culvert on the Waiaha Drainageway.
The detour is needed as crews work to demolish and replace the double-cell culvert built in 1937, according to the Hawaii County Department of Public Works. Southbound traffic will continue to utilize the existing bridge.
The traffic pattern is expected to be in place 24 hours a day for three weeks, or until July 8, weather and construction conditions permitting, the county said. The posted speed limit will also be reduced to 15 mph in the work zone located about 1.5 miles south of Kailua Village.
Isemoto Contracting won the $8.97 million contract to change out and expand the 83-year-old culvert, also referred to as a bridge, earlier this year. The Federal Highways Administration is picking up 80% of the cost, or about $7.2 million, while the county will foot the remainder.
The new structure will include a wider bridge with two 5-foot-wide bike lanes and two 7-foot-wide raised sidewalks. It’ll be 49 feet wide total, providing more room than the current bridge that comprises two 10-foot lanes and a narrow shoulder.
The company started work in May 2019 and the project remains on target for completion in May 2021.
The county advised the public to call Isemoto Contracting at (808) 329-8051 with questions or concerns.