A long-awaited road reconstruction project on Waianuenue Avenue is causing traffic delays on nearby Kaumana Drive.
Last September, Hawaii County awarded a $10 million contract to Jas. W. Glover Ltd. for a rehabilitation project on Waianuenue that will extend from Kaiulani Street to the upper intersection of Rainbow Drive.
One lane of Waianuenue Avenue is closed part of the day for utility adjustments, which has caused delays for cars traveling on the busy road.
A portion of Kaumana Drive also is closed so cars can detour at the intersection of Punahele Street, instead of turning around at Waianuenue Avenue and Punawai Street.
“(Waianuenue) is a main lifeline for the hospital and schools, so it does necessitate night work,” said Hawaii County Public Works Director Ikaika Rodenhurst. “We understand the work is an inconvenience for those living in the area, but we’re trying to minimize that by doing some utility adjustments and paving at night.”
Work on the portion of Waianuenue that currently is being done should be completed by the end of April, which is when the Kaumana Drive detour could be removed.
However, the full rehabilitation project of Waianuenue is estimated to be complete by Dec. 29.
“The project is meant to take care of the deteriorating pavement and give the road some more life,” Rodenhurst said. “This isn’t meant to expand the roadways, but to make sure it lasts longer.”
Contractors also will be working on repaving the concrete sidewalks and restriping the road.
Public Works has weekly updates on roadwork, maintenance and traffic changes on its website at https://www.dpw.hawaiicounty.gov/about-public-works/public-works-news.