The official start of construction on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project began Thursday with a tiny amount of soil moved by oo, the traditional Hawaiian digging tool.
Dignitaries who spoke during the blessing and groundbreaking sought to put seven years of delays in the past and hoped the project would proceed quickly, making travel on the road safer and smoother for all.
Ford Fuchigami, director of the state Department of Transportation, told the gathering that he will count on general contractor Goodfellow Bros. Inc. pushing the $90 million, 5.2 mile project to completion in two years. Actual earthmoving will begin on Tuesday.
The efforts to get the project off the ground have spanned the administrations of three governors, said Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi.
“Today is a huge celebration for the West Hawaii community and the Big Island community,” he said.
The first of five phases will widen the highway on the makai side from Hina Lani Street to Kona International Airport, followed by the same work on the south end down to Kealakehe Parkway. Each phase is expected to take four to five months. Work will then begin on the mauka side of the highway.
Fifteen to 20 trucks will be entering and leaving the roadway, hauling a massive amount of fill from quarries for the project. Utilities and drainage will be upgraded as part of the project to widen and divide the highway.
The work will be ongoing six days a week in the first year — mostly during the day, and the speed limit will be lowered to 35 mph during construction.
Ed Sniffen, the DOT deputy director for roads, said that careful phasing will separate construction activity from motorists. For the most part, trucks entering and leaving will be the only impacts to traffic, which are minimal for a project of this scale, Sniffen said.
“The exciting thing is that $90 million gets out into the community, gets people to work,” Sniffen said. “It’s a big investment in the community.”
Kohala Rep. Cindy Evans touted the benefits of the expansion to the entire island as people from the east side come over to shop at Costco, recreate and visit family.
“Everyone who is going to work on the project is from this island,” Evans said. “I think that’s significant.”
Steve Goodfellow, CEO of Goodfellow Bros., pledged to deliver the project on time and on budget with as few impacts to traffic as possible.
Remarks were also delivered by Kona Rep. Nicole Lowen and Federal Highways division administrator Mayela Sosa. Gov. David Ige was also scheduled to speak during the ceremony but was delayed by travel until the end of the event.
A 24-hour project hotline can provide answers to questions about the construction. Callers should expect a turnaround time of up to a 24-hours to get their question answered. The number is 888-440-7988.
Follow the construction on the web: www.buildqueenk.com.
