LIHUE, Kauai >> With the resumption of two-lane traffic along the Waikoko-to-Wainiha stretch of Kuhio Highway still three to four months away, state Department of Transportation and Kauai County officials announced Saturday they are expanding access to the highway for residents of Wainiha and Haena.

The length of roadway was damaged during the April 14 flooding.

A single lane initially was made available to local traffic on a set schedule. Starting today, construction crews will no longer be on the route on Sundays. This will allow limited local access on an alternating basis between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., officials said.

Access will begin at 7 a.m. today from Waikoko to Wainiha. A pilot vehicle will escort placarded vehicles under 5 tons from the checkpoint to the other side of the closure in Wainiha. The pilot vehicle will then escort vehicles from Wainiha to Waikoko and continue on an alternating basis until approximately 6:30 p.m., when the last caravan of the day will be led from Wainiha to the Waikoko checkpoint.

DOT crews and contractors will continue to work to stabilize and clear debris on Kuhio Highway from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Limited local access is available on workdays at the following times:

>> 6 a.m. Waikoko to Wainiha.

>> 6:30 a.m. Wainiha to Waikoko.

>> Noon Waikoko to Wainiha.

>> 12:20 p.m. Wainiha to Waikoko.

>> 12:40 p.m. Waikoko to Wainiha.

>> 1 p.m. Wainiha to Waikoko.

>> From 5 to 6:30 p.m. alternating, with the checkpoints locked at 7 p.m.