Kapaʻa Streets to Close for Geotech Work, December 15 to 17
The Kauai County Department of Public Works and contractor Hirata and Associates Inc. announced on November 21 that portions of Kukui Street and Niu Street in Kapaʻa will face single lane and road closures December 15 to 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. The work is part of geotechnical subsurface exploration for proposed traffic signal improvements and a utility pole, and residents should expect detours and delays near Kūhiō Highway.
On November 21 the County Department of Public Works and contractor Hirata and Associates Inc. notified the public that planned traffic modifications will affect travel in the Kapaʻa area for three days in December. The closures are scheduled for December 15 to December 17 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., weather permitting, and are intended to support geotechnical subsurface exploration ahead of proposed traffic signal upgrades and installation of a utility pole.
Specific closures are slated by day. On December 15 crews will implement a single lane closure of the left turn lane on Kukui Street just west of the intersection with Kūhiō Highway. On December 16 a portion of the east side of Kukui Street at the Kūhiō Highway intersection will be closed to traffic. On December 17 the south end of Niu Street at the Kūhiō Highway intersection will be closed. Work hours for each day are planned for mid morning through mid afternoon to limit impacts during peak commuter times, though drivers should expect delays and allow extra travel time while in the work areas.
Access to private properties within the work zones will be maintained, and motorists are asked to observe traffic controls, posted signs and directions from flaggers. The Department emphasized that detours and lane restrictions are possible while crews perform subsurface drilling and testing required to evaluate soils and utilities prior to permanent signal and pole work.
The planned exploration is part of a wider set of infrastructure efforts that aim to improve safety and traffic flow on Kūhiō Highway and adjacent streets. For Kapaʻa residents and business owners the short term inconvenience of closures and delays will precede potential improvements that may alter turning movements and signal timing at a key intersection that serves local neighborhoods, shops and visitor routes. Drivers who rely on Kūhiō Highway for daily commutes or who manage deliveries to businesses in the area should factor the scheduled work into travel plans for mid December.
For more information contact Barron Leu of Hirata & Associates Inc. at 808 486 0787 or barron@hirata-hawaii.com. The County asks the public to monitor weather conditions as the schedule is contingent on favorable weather.
