The Hawaii Department of Transportation today provided the following updates on Kuhio Highway (Route 560).

Emergency slope stabilization in Hanalei

Emergency scaling work on Kuhio Highway at mile marker 1 (hill leading to Hanalei Bridge) is expected to be completed today.

The Lihue bound lane will remain closed overnight and Wednesday as crews assess the area.

Temporary rockfall barrier work will begin May 14 through May 17, and may continue after. Motorists can expect delays since the Lihue bound lane will be closed to create a temporary catchment area for rocks or soil from the slope.

Kuhio Highway Emergency Repairs – Waipa and Waikoko Bridges

The Waikoko checkpoint has been moved to Waipa in order to move the Waipa Bridge into the work zone, HDOT said today. “Only those with county-issued placards or contractor passes are allowed past the checkpoint. Vehicles without valid placards will be turned around,” the news release said.

Limited local access is available in both directions Monday through Saturday on an unescorted basis between these hours:

>> 5:30 a.m. to 8:20 a.m.

>> 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

>> 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (unless bridge night work is scheduled, see calendar here)

Bridge Night Work

>> Night work at both Waipa and Waikoko Bridges will resume today and continue through Thursday. There will be no night work on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Mother’s Day).

>> Night work will resume Monday, May 13 through Thursday, May 16, beginning at 7:30 p.m. and continuing overnight until 5:30 a.m.

>> Parking areas on either side of bridges and pedestrian access will be available for those wanting to cross the bridge during night work hours until 11 p.m. (click here for location of park and ride location West of Waikoko Bridge).

>> The bridge will close to all traffic after 7:30 p.m. Any vehicles traveling on the highway after 7:30 p.m. will not be able to travel over the Waipa Bridge. Residents who want to access the area need to use the available Park and Ride sites and the pedestrian bridge.

>> HDOT is coordinating with Hanalei Colony Resort to provide a shuttle until 11 p.m. for residents between the Park and Ride locations and Wainiha.

The first of two full weekend bridge closures is now expected to take place from 9 p.m. May 31 through 5 a.m. June 3.

“Previously, the first full weekend closure was scheduled for May 17-20. Dates for the second full weekend closure are to be determined. Reminders of the weekend bridge closures will be sent the week of the scheduled closure,” HDOT said.

A calendar showing the bridge night work schedule as of May 7 is available here. All work is weather permitting.

Arrangements have been made to ensure the Akita school bus will be able to cross Waipa Bridge at the scheduled time.

For email updates on the Kuhio Highway emergency repairs, click here.