The Kamehameha Avenue reconstruction project is nearing completion, though motorists might have to wait until the end of the month before finally seeing all four lanes of the major Hilo thoroughfare reopen. ADVERTISING The Kamehameha Avenue reconstruction project is nearing
The Kamehameha Avenue reconstruction project is nearing completion, though motorists might have to wait until the end of the month before finally seeing all four lanes of the major Hilo thoroughfare reopen.
The $13.2 million project, which began March 2014, was most recently expected to be complete near the start of this month.
But delays attributed to weather, including the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ignacio, have prevented workers from completing striping, said Barett Otani, Hawaii County Public Works spokesman. Additionally, new traffic signals need to be reconfigured.
Otani said those last two items could take another two to three weeks to complete.
The project was awarded to Isemoto Contracting Co.
“They want to start (striping) this week,” he said. The expected arrival of Ignacio, which passed the Big Island to the north, prevented that from getting underway as planned, Otani said.
“When you stripe, it’s all weather dependent,” he said.
“The striping itself should take two weeks. It’s just the window of time.”
In addition to repaving, the project has involved replacement of sidewalks, bike lanes, new turn lanes, improved drainage, waterline relocation, new LED streetlights and curb ramps.
The project extends from Ponahawai Street to the Wailoa River bridge. Federal funds cover 80 percent of the work.
Otani said it remains on budget.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
