Kahoma Stream Bridge Receives Engineering Award

Seen here after completion, the bridge design eliminates the need for foundation pillars below which leaves the Kahoma Stream unobstructed. Photo courtesy state Department of Transportation.

By Maui Now Staff

The state Department of Transportation today announced the recognition of the Kahoma Stream Bridge in West Maui for a prestigious engineering award.

The American Society of Civil Engineers – Hawaiʻi Division, issued the “2013 Overall Grand Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award” to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation for the project at a ceremony held over the weekend, an announcement said.

The new bridge, seen above under construction, utilizes an inverted tier arch design, which places arched support beams below the road surface rather than above. This design was selected to minimize obstructions of ocean views for motorists and the Lahaina community. Photo courtesy state Department of Transportation.

DOT Director Glenn Okimoto said the department was honored to receive the award.

In a media statement released today, Okimoto commented on the honor saying, “Completion of this bridge was a key component in the first segment of the Lahaina Bypass, giving motorists a new alternate route to bypass the busiest section of Lahaina Town.”

State officials say the two-lane bridge spans the Kahoma Stream Gulch and utilizes an “inverted tier arch design” to minimize the obstruction to ocean views.

“The unique support beam design also eliminates the need for foundation pillars below the bridge which leaves the Kahoma Stream unobstructed,” state officials said.

The $24.3 million Kahoma Stream Bridge project will now be included for consideration in the Society’s national competition, official said.