A one-way traffic pattern scheduled to go into effect March 23 on a portion of Kalanianaole Avenue is being postponed to allow for changes to improve traffic flow at the affected intersections, the county Department of Public Works announced Wednesday.
The one-way traffic pattern, which was to be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, was expected for four to six months. The public will be notified once a new date for the detour is determined.
A joint effort of the state Department of Transportation and Hawaii County, the project began in March 2018.
Work includes widening Kalanianaole Avenue from Kanoelehua Avenue to Kuhio Street — the Hilo Harbor entrance — and installing a concrete sidewalk on the makai side, a paved shoulder on the mauka side, bicycle lanes in each direction, one through lane in each direction, a shared turn lane, drainage improvements, utility relocation and the installation of a new 12-inch waterline.
The project remains on track to be completed in late 2020, weather and construction conditions permitting.
While the one-way detour was postponed, the roadwork project continues to make progress.
As of March 16, 90% of the concrete sidewalk on the makai side of Kalanianaole Avenue has been completed and the project’s drainage improvements are 54% complete.
In the coming weeks, sidewalk and driveway construction near the Hilo Harbor entrance will continue. It is estimated that drainage structures on the makai side of Kalanianaole Avenue, including the drainage system fronting Kuhio Kalanianaole Park, will also be completed in the next few weeks.
Questions or concerns about the project should be directed to Sterling Chow with the county Department of Public Works Engineering Division by calling 961-8925.