Akemama Road Closures Planned, Full Closure Begins Nov. 24
The Department of Public Works announced on Nov. 17 that Akemama Road in Lāwaʻi will undergo a full closure on Nov. 24, followed by single lane closures from Nov. 25 to Nov. 26 and Dec. 1 to Dec. 5, with no work on Nov. 27 and Nov. 28. The work, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and subject to weather, is intended to allow crews to complete culvert and road repairs and will affect travel for residents, visitors, and local services.
On Nov. 17 the Kauaʻi County Department of Public Works issued a schedule for lane and road closures along a portion of Akemama Road in Lāwaʻi. A full road closure was set for Monday, Nov. 24 so crews could complete culvert work that requires uninterrupted access to the county right of way. Single lane closures were scheduled to follow on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26, and again from Dec. 1 through Dec. 5. No work was planned for Nov. 27 or Nov. 28.
Work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all activities are weather permitting. The department said the lane closures are necessary to protect the public and to give Roads Division crews safe conditions in which to repair culverts and roadway surfaces. Parking will not be allowed inside work zones while construction is underway, and motorists were asked to observe posted signage and flaggers directing traffic.
The planned closures will have practical implications for daily life in West Kauaʻi. Commuters and school related traffic should anticipate longer travel times during the work windows, and visitors to beaches and local businesses near Lāwaʻi may encounter detours or delay. Deliveries and service vehicles should also plan for restricted access. Residents are advised to allow extra travel time and to plan around the scheduled full closure on Nov. 24 and the subsequent lane closures.
Infrastructure work of this kind is a routine but crucial part of maintaining island road networks that are frequently exposed to heavy rains and storm events. Culvert repairs help manage drainage and reduce the risk of future roadway damage and closures, an issue of particular importance for communities that depend on a limited number of coastal and valley roads. For Lāwaʻi this maintenance aims to preserve safe, reliable access for residents and emergency services while reducing the likelihood of more disruptive failures in the future.
For questions or further details the Roads Division Main Office can be reached at 808 241 4847 or by email at koku@kauai.gov. Officials emphasized that the schedule could shift if inclement weather returns, and urged drivers to follow updates and posted directions when traveling through the work zone.
