Gov. Green releases funds to design acceleration lane between Keaʻau and Hilo

A proposed acceleration lane on Volcano Road (Highway 11) between Keaʻau and Hilo is intended to improve traffic flow and enhance roadway safety in a heavily traveled area serving East Hawaiʻi residents and commuters.

Gov. Josh Green released $290,000 in capital improvement program funding to finance the design of a northbound acceleration lane, heading to Hilo from Keaʻau, on Highway 11 in the vicinity of Māmaki Street, also known as the Panaʻewa stretch.

“I would like to thank Governor Green for financing the design of this important infrastructure improvement,” said Sen. Lorraine Inouye in a press release. “This project will help address traffic concerns and support safer, more efficient travel for our community.”

Before the 33rd Hawaiʻi State Legislature session began, state Rep. Chris Todd said he was looking at presenting measures that would address making incremental improvements to Highways 11 and 130.

State leadership hopes to make improvements such as prioritizing roundabouts, contraflow issues, and traffic management while waiting for the results of the Puna Mauka and Puna Makai studies to come back.