Akemama Road to Close for Repairs, Expect Delays Next Week

The Kauaʻi County Department of Public Works announced a sequence of lane and road closures on Akemama Road next week to allow crews to complete culvert and road repairs. Work will occur between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day from Nov. 17 to 21, 2025, with single lane closures planned for Nov. 17 and Nov. 19 to 21, and a full road closure scheduled for Nov. 18. The schedule is subject to weather.

County crews will perform repairs within the county right of way, focusing on culverts that carry storm runoff beneath the roadway and pavement damage that can affect vehicle safety. Municipal maintenance of these features is a routine part of safeguarding public travel lanes and protecting adjacent properties, and the concentrated repairs aim to restore drainage capacity and road integrity before the winter months.

Traffic control will be in place while work is underway. Flaggers will direct vehicles through the work zone during single lane operations, and no parking will be allowed in areas immediately adjacent to the work site. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time for commutes and errands during the posted work hours. The County provided a contact phone and email for questions, and residents can also consult the County website kauai.gov for updates and any schedule changes.

Local consequences of the closures extend beyond short term delays. For residents who rely on Akemama Road for daily travel, deliveries, or access to properties, the full closure day may require rerouting that could affect travel times for errands, work, or medical appointments. Emergency service providers coordinate with public works departments when road access is modified, but drivers should be mindful of potential detours and the presence of crews and equipment.

This work fits into broader maintenance needs faced by island communities where heavy rains and rising storm intensity can strain culverts and roadbeds. Timely repairs reduce the likelihood of more disruptive failures during extreme weather, and they contribute to overall resilience of Kauaʻi County infrastructure that supports both residents and the visiting public. While the closures are temporary, the improvements are aimed at preventing longer term disruptions.

Residents seeking more information or with specific concerns should contact the Kauaʻi County Department of Public Works or monitor county announcements online for any weather related changes to the schedule.