Prep work for Kalanianaole Avenue project to begin

HILO — Preparatory work for a two-year construction project on Kalanianaole Avenue begins next week.

From Monday through Friday, contractors will begin exploratory work on a 1-mile stretch of Kalanianaole Avenue in Hilo from Kamehameha Avenue to Kauhane Avenue.

Next week’s work will only involve road surveying and will not require any lane closures or detours. However, drivers are still advised to drive with caution between 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

The surveying will lay the groundwork for an extensive $17 million improvement project for Kalanianaole Avenue later this year.

The greater project will include resurfacing work, new sidewalks, a bike lane and a left-turn lane, as well as other upgrades such as drainage improvements, water mains, retaining walls, new street lighting, new curbs and new signage.

The project is estimated to be completed in the first quarter of 2020.