The partial lane closure of Highway 19 in Kalopa between mile markers 38 and 39 will continue through Wednesday, Hawaii Electric Light Co. said in a statement this afternoon.
One lane of the highway, also known as Hawaii Belt Road, will be closed to traffic to allow crews to replace 16 damaged transmission poles and lines that were downed by gusty winds and fallen trees on Sunday. Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the construction area and expect delays of up to 45 minutes.
HELCO apartnered with the state Department of Transportation and county’s Department of Public Works today to safely remove an uprooted 150-foot tall tree that was leaning toward power lines and the highway. Once the tree was removed, utility crews from Hilo, Kona and Waimea began the pole installations.
Crews will work through the night and tomorrow to complete the work.
Currently, customers in portions of Honokaa, Kukuihaele, Waipunahina, Kalopa State Park, and Waipio Valley are without power.