By ERIN MILLER By ERIN MILLER ADVERTISING Stephens Media State Department of Transportation officials are seeking authorization to build a base yard to maintain Saddle Road. The base yard would sit on 4 acres of a 20.5-acre site designated for
By ERIN MILLER
Stephens Media
State Department of Transportation officials are seeking authorization to build a base yard to maintain Saddle Road.
The base yard would sit on 4 acres of a 20.5-acre site designated for the Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, according to a draft environmental assessment published this week in the Office of Environmental Quality Control bulletin. The base yard site would use land previously used as a nene breeding facility. The state chose the centrally located site to allow easier access to all of the 47-mile long Saddle Road, the document said.
DOT Director Glenn Okimoto said he anticipated a finding of no significant impact for the project, which would cost $5.83 million. Construction would begin in October and be completed in June.
“Saddle Road traffic has traditionally been relatively sparse because of its substandard conditions,” the document said. “As sections of Saddle Road and eventually the entire length is widened and improved, traffic volumes will increase and travel time between East and West Hawaii will decrease. … (Locating the base yard roughly halfway between East and West Hawaii) provides a more convenient location of equipment so that repairs may be effectuated in a more expedited and efficient manner.”
Improvements to the site would include a shop building with work areas, an office and vehicle parking, a fuel area, a flammable storage area, a parking area, open material storage and utilities. A perimeter fence would surround the base yard.
Access would be provided via an existing, unpaved road. The base yard is expected to generate a minimal amount of traffic, five to six private vehicles in the morning and afternoon, and two to three maintenance vehicles during the day, the document said.
Saddle Road has undergone significant construction in the last several years. The eastern and middle portions, through mile marker 42, have been reconstructed and upgraded to current highway standards. The western end is being realigned, with a new terminus with Mamalahoa Highway being constructed.
The DOT is also planning to extend Saddle Road from Mamalahoa Highway makai to Queen Kaahumanu Highway. The department has just begun the scoping process for environmental review.
Email Erin Miller at emiller@westhawaiitoday.com.