MEDIA RELEASE

Kawaihae Road – Waiaka Bridge Replacement & Realignment of Approaches – Draft EA

* WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 28

* WHERE: Waimea Civic Center Conference Room, state Department of Transportation, Planning Branch

* WHAT:
1) Replace structurally deficient bridge with new bridge meeting Federal and State design guidelines
2) Realigning approaches providing smooth transitions and improved sight distances
3) Improve Kawaihae/Kohala Mountain Road intersection operations
4) Improve hydraulic conditions for Keanuiomano stream beneath bridge

Alternatives for proposed action:

No Action – no changes and risk of future closure.

Replace bridge North of exiting bridge; Kawaihae/Kohala Mountain Road intersection aligned to a T-intersection; install traffic signal at intersection.

Replace bridge at Existing location; Kawaihae/Kohala Mountain Road intersection aligned to a T-intersection; install traffic signal at intersection.

3A) Replace Bridge at Existing location realigning East approach; Kawaihae/Kohala Mountain Road intersection aligned to a T-intersection; install traffic signal at intersection.

Replace bridge at Existing location; Kawaihae/Kohala Mountain Road intersection replaced with Roundabout; no traffic signal at intersection.

Replace bridge South of exiting bridge; Kawaihae/Kohala Mountain Road intersection aligned to a T-intersection; install traffic signal at intersection.

Alternatives 3, 3A, 4 and 5 will require a temporary bypass bridge. Temporary bridge removed at end of construction, land area restored to original grade, condition including reseeding and tree planting, and land returned to owner.

Speed limit will remain at 25 MPH for all alternatives.

Construction schedule; Start in 2012 and complete in 2013.

Comments deadline is Aug. 6, 2011

Original to: State of Hawaii
Dept. of Transportation
869 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Attention: Mr. Lance Manabe

Copy to: Wilson Okamoto Corporation
1907 South Beretania Street, Suite 400
Honolulu, HI 96826
808 946-2253 Fax
Attention: Ms. Tracy Fukuda