The long-sought Laaloa Avenue extension is expected to be complete by the end of September, Hawaii County Department of Public Works Director Warren Lee said Tuesday.
The long-sought Laaloa Avenue extension is expected to be complete by the end of September, Hawaii County Department of Public Works Director Warren Lee said Tuesday.
The remaining work for the first phase includes completing the road’s intersection with Kuakini Highway, according to Lee. Left to complete in the second phase are retaining walls, drainage improvements and paving.
The 1,900-foot extension will bring Laaloa Avenue from its intersection with Laelae Street to Kuakini Highway. Work began in July 2013.
The project is split in two phases: the mauka portion that requires the new construction and was estimated to cost about $14 million, but actually came in at nearly half that amount; and a lower portion where Laaloa connects with Alii Drive, which has been estimated to cost about $5 million. The Hawaii County Council in 2011 authorized a $20 million bond for both phases.
The second phase will improve slopes and drainage on the existing roadway as well as add curbs, gutters, sidewalks and bike lanes, Gonzales said. It will also include improvements to ensure motorists have a clear line of sight when entering and exiting Laaloa Avenue.
Once built, the connection will be the first in a 3.5-mile stretch of Alii Drive between Royal Poinciana Drive and Kamehameha III Road. It will provide another means for egress during an evacuation or other emergency.