HDOT Outlines Big Island Highway Projects

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen provided an update on Dec. 14, on high-visibility, current and upcoming highways projects.

Highlighted projects on Hawai‘i Island and a short summary of their current status:

Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road: Four-lane re-striping and Shower Drive Intersection Improvements
Work to add a traffic signal at the intersection of Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road (Highway 130) and Shower Drive and the re-striping project, which will remove a restricted shoulder lane and add an unrestricted travel lane through re-striping from Kea‘au Town to Shower Drive, will be substantially completed by the beginning of 2018. An update will be sent out at the close of the project to remind Hawai‘i Island drivers of the changes to the area as well as the reduction of the speed limit to 45 mph (from 55 mph) on Highway 130 between mile marker 2.3 and 3.7 and between mile marker 7.4 to 9.9.

Queen Ka‘ahumanu Widening, Phase 2
The Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway Widening Project, Phase 2, to widen the existing two-lane highway to a four-lane divided highway from Kealakehe Parkway to Keahole Airport Access Road is expected to be substantially complete by August 2018. Remaining work on the project includes milling and resurfacing of north bound lanes, pavement extension of the north bound lanes, paving of south bound lanes south of Kealakehe Parkway, construction of swales and median barrier in the south segment, side road transitions, and installation of signage, pavement markings and landscaping.

Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway Intersection Improvements at Kawaihae Road
Bid in December 2017, work expected to begin April 2018
Project will widen the intersection to provide a right-turn lane for northbound Queen Kaahumanu Highway traffic, a right-turn lane for east bound Kawaihae Road traffic, an acceleration lane on Kawaihae Road and lengthening the left-turn lane for west bound Kawaihae Road traffic.

Hawai‘i Island rumble strip projects
HDOT to install rumble strips where possible to provide tactile and audible warning for motorists straying from their lane. Planned rumble strip projects for Hawai‘i Island are:

• Kohala Mountain Road Safety Improvements, mile marker 7.2 to 9.2
  Advertised November 2017
  Estimated cost $1 to 5 million
  Project will add milled rumble strips to centerline and shoulders, high friction surface treatment, pavement markings, signage, and curve ahead signs and beacons
• Māmalahoa Highway Safety Improvements, mile marker 3.9 to mile marker 6.9
  Will advertise December 2017
  Estimated cost $1 to 5 million
  Project will install milled rumble strips in the centerline and shoulders, pavement markings, and signage, and will upgrade guardrails
• Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway Rumble Strip Improvements, Mahaiula to Kawaihae
  Construction to begin January 2018, estimated completion May 2018
  Work includes installation of centerline rumble strips, new pavement markings and striping to enhance lane visibility and will be conducted in five phases to minimize impact to motorists