A state maintenance project to clear brush and a substantial amount of trees along Highway 11 between Hilo and Keaau is expected to be completed by September.
A state maintenance project to clear brush and a substantial amount of trees along Highway 11 between Hilo and Keaau is expected to be completed by September.
Caroline Sluyter, spokeswoman for the Department of Transportation confirmed that the project, which runs from the Lama Street intersection south to the Shipman Industrial Park, started in September of last year.
The state initiated the project to improve driving conditions for motorists along the stretch following complaints from the public, she said, and will help to reduce the amount of tree debris interfering with the four-lane highway.
Salvador Panem, DOT Hawaii district engineer, said the project has received both positive and negative reactions.
“I’ve received complaints about what we’re doing there and complementary comments about what we’re doing there. Some like the trees and shrubs and don’t like the openness,” he said.
Overall, Panem said he believes the project will benefit island drivers.
“It will improve safety and improve sight distance as you connect to the road,” he said.
Email Megan Moseley at mmoseley@hawaiitribune-herald.com.