MEDIA RELEASE

As part of the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s (HDOT) goal of improving the state’s highway infrastructure, HDOT is partnering with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Central Federal Lands Highways Division (CFLHD) to deliver 11 bridge projects throughout the state. This partnership will supplement the state’s current project delivery process and get additional projects shovel-ready.

“Central Federal Lands Highways Division has managed various construction phases of Saddle Road on Hawaii Island with great results,” said Ford Fuchigami, HDOT Interim Director. “Its enhanced role statewide will provide a valuable resource and allow us to complete more needed projects.”

“We have experienced great results because of the strong partnership we have with the HDOT and the incredible support of the Big Island communities. The success experienced reminds us all of the importance of partnerships and how all the right resources from local, State and Federal levels can join forces and make great things happen”, said Rick Suarez, CFLHD Division Engineer. “This represents good government in action. It represents the best interests of those we serve and enables us to be good stewards of limited resources entrusted to us.”

The projects include:

Oahu:

· Interstate H1 Bridge Rehabilitation, Kapalama Canal, (Halona Street Bridge)
· Kamehameha Highway, Kipapa Stream (Roosevelt) Bridge Rehabilitation
· Kamehameha Highway, Replacement of Hoolapa (Nanahau) Stream Bridge
· Kamehameha Highway, Replacement of Kawela Stream Bridge

Hawaii Island:

· Kawaihae Road, Waiaka Stream Bridge Replacement and Realignment of Approaches
· Mamalahoa Highway, Hilea Stream Bridge Replacement
· Mamalahoa Highway, Ninole Stream Bridge Replacement

Kauai:

· Kaumualii Highway, Hanapepe River Bridge Replacement and/or Rehabilitation
· Kaumualii Highway, Route 50, Bridge Rehabilitation, Bridge No. 7E
· Kuhio Highway, Route 56, Mailihuna Road Intersection and Kapaa Stream Bridge Rehabilitation
· Kuhio Highway, Route 560, Bridge Rehabilitation at Wainiha Stream Bridges #1, #2 and #3

The total program cost is estimated to be more than $137 million dollars. These projects are in the preliminary planning phases. There may be additional projects as the HDOT works collaboratively with CFLHD and as funds are available. More information on each project will be available in the coming months as the process continues.

CFLHD operates as part of the Federal Lands Highway Program, serving the needs of the central United States, Hawaii, and American Samoa. CFLHD actively administers the surveying, design and construction of forest highway system roads, parkways and park roads, Native American reservation roads, defense access roads, and other Federal lands roads. About 30 percent of the land in the United States falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal government.