Progress Made on Chain of Craters Kalapana Road

Significant progress has been made on the Chain of Craters Kalapana Road, according to a spokesperson from Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Work on the road began on Oct 24 as a way for lower Puna residents to commute if, and when, the lava flow travels across Highway 130, Railroad Avenue, and Government Beach Road.

On Wednesday, contractors working from each end met in the middle, completing the rough grade of the road. The next phase is ready to begin, crushing excavated material for the road bed.

The road is scheduled to be completed in the next 30-45 days, weather and construction conditions permitting. The finished product will be a two-lane, 22-foot-wide road.

Residents in the lower Puna area will be able to access the route after the lava has crossed Highway 130 and Railroad Avenue, as well as when the National Park Service has determined that the road is safe for vehicles.

The emergency access route will not be open to the public or park visitors. Residents of lower Puna will receive a free window decal that will allow them access through the park.