New Papahawahawa Bridge in East Maui to Open

Kipahulu coastline, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The new Papapawahawa Bridge in East Maui opens this Friday, January 27, 2012, following eight months of construction.

The new concrete structure replaces the old bridge that was built in 1915. The old structure was among a list of county bridges identified to have structural deficiencies.

The bridge is located on the Hana Higwhay near mile marker 46 between Kipahulu and Hana.

The County’s Department of Engineering and Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company issued a notice to motorists indicating crews will continue work to remove an existing diversion road, and construct guardwalls along the shoulder of the road.

Motorists are asked to proceed with caution.