Work to replace Pauahi Street Bridge on schedule

Construction on the Pauahi Street Bridge is on schedule, according to the Hawaii County Department of Public Works.

By the first quarter of 2025, the Hilo bridge will be fully replaced after the demolition of the existing bridge deck, railings, pavement, sidewalk and waterline, according to DPW.

The work began in March.

Contractor Jas. W. Glover Ltd. has been working on the second phase of the project, which has closed two lanes that are used for traffic traveling toward Kilauea Avenue. The two lanes normally used for drivers traveling toward Hilo Bay are being used for both directions of traffic.

The project is estimated to cost $3.5 million. However, DPW has submitted an additional work proposal and is awaiting evaluation.

“We are currently looking to increase the scope of work to include roadway resurfacing and sidewalk work along Pauahi Street,” said Sherise Kanae-Kane, DPW spokeswoman. “This change in scope is pending the additional work proposal evaluation.”

The Pauahi Street Bridge is more than 70-years old and carries an estimated 9,150 vehicles a day, according to the state Department of Transportation data.

The small bridge is one of more than a dozen Big Island bridges considered in “poor” condition.

Contractors are working on the Pauahi Street Bridge from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each weekday. A portion of the bridge will continue to remain open for traffic during the construction project.