Work continued Tuesday to reopen the remainder of Pahoa Village Road in time for the Thanksgiving Day holiday, Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said shortly after 11:30 a.m.
Work continued Tuesday to reopen the remainder of Pahoa Village Road in time for the Thanksgiving Day holiday, Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said shortly after 11:30 a.m.
Utility crews were still working to remove the protective cinder material placed around utility poles along the roadway, he said. Protective rings, which extend about 2 feet outward, that were placed around the poles as the lava neared the roadway in October, will remain in place.
The county is hoping to have the roadway open between Apaa Street and Post Office Road by the close of the business day on Wednesday.
After crews complete the removal of the cinder material, the remaining work includes placing safety barricades, flashing lights, reflective tape and other items to reduce traffic hazards, he said. Civil Defense and the Department of Public Works planned to walk through the area Tuesday afternoon to determine if any additional protective measures are warranted.
The roadway has been closed between Apaa Street and Post Office Road since late October when breakouts from the June 27 lava flow neared.
Apaa Street will remain closed because the county is not allowing access to where the flow crossed the roadway as well as to the Pahoa Transfer Station, Oliveira said.