Work Set For Reed’s Island Bridge, Kaiminani Drive

Renovation projects are set to get underway on both sides of the Big Island.

In East Hawai`i, the $6.4 million renovation of the Reed’s Island Bridge has been awarded to contractor ABHE & Svoboda, Inc.

The project will bring the bridge spanning a portion of the Wailuku River into compliance with modern load capacity standards, a Department of Public Works spokeswoman said.

An engineer inspects the substructure of the Reed’s Island Bridge. Hawai`i County photo.

The wooden deck will be replaced with steel beams and a steel grating deck. Concrete rock anchors and micro-pilings, as well as lateral structural steel bracing members, will be installed to strengthen the deck and bring it up to speed with earthquake code requirements.

The Federal Highway Administration will fund 80% of the cost, with Hawai`i County funding the rest.

Construction is  expected to begin this fall.

In West Hawai`i, Jas. W. Glover Ltd. Was awarded the $10 million project for improvements on Kaiminani Drive.

The roadway, one of the earliest mauka-makai connectors between Mamalahoa Highway and Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway, and the home to Kona Palisades and newer adjoining subdivisions, will undergo reconstruction and drainage improvements.

Kaiminani Drive will be getting new shoulders and tie-ins for private driveways. Hawai`i County photo.

The work will include six-foot shoulders, tie-ins to private driveways, restriping and the addition of retaining walls.

As with the Reed’s Island Bridge project, the federal government is covering 80% of the project’s cost.