Kawailani Street road work on target for completion

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More than a year after construction began, work continues on a Kawailani Street road project in Hilo.

Work began on the Hawaii County project in March 2017 and is about 65 percent complete, said Barett Otani, spokesman for the Department of Public Works.

The nearly $20.2 million project will add stop signals at two closely spaced intersections at Kawailani and Iwalani streets and Kawailani Street and Ainaola Drive, he said.

The project also includes grading; paving; installing drainage improvements, water mains, retaining walls, and street lighting; constructing sidewalks, curbs and gutters, driveways, curb ramps and paved swales; and installing pavement markings and signs, according to a March 2017 news release.

As of Monday, Otani said there have been 39 “unworkable days,” which “has not significantly affected the project timeline.”

According to Otani, unworkable days can be caused by weather and unforeseen construction conditions such as equipment failure, the unavailability of material or an emergency event.

The project is still on schedule, he said.

“Including unworkable days, the completion date is anticipated to be in early January 2019,” he said.

Otani said motorists should anticipate more one-lane road conditions as crews continue work.

Email Stephanie Salmons at ssalmons@hawaiitribune-herald.com.