Several Hāmākua Coast Bridges to Benefit From Federal Infrastructure Funding

Several Big Island bridges will get much needed repairs this year thanks to another round of federal funds coming to the state as part of the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Package.

“This second round of funding under BIP amounts to $339 million over five years, with $68 million set for release this year, that will go to critical bridge and culvert projects throughout the state of Hawai‘i,” said U.S. Rep. Ed Case, a Hawai‘i Democrat and member of the House Appropriations Committee.

The latest round of funding includes $170 million for repairs to bridges on the Big Island’s Hāmākua Coast. The specific bridges that will benefit are those over Nānue, Kolekole, Hakalau, Wailuku and Pāhe‘ehe‘e streams.

BIP funds to the tune of $20 million also will be used for culvert repairs statewide. The remaining portion of the $339 million will be used for other bridge projects on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i.

These are the latest of many disbursements to Hawai‘i as part of the infrastructure measure.

“BIP will eventually deliver some $3 billion to our state for roads and bridges, water infrastructure, climate resilience projects, access to the internet and much more,” Case said.

The state Department of Transportation maintains a priority list of bridges and culverts throughout the islands that require action based on their condition.