Seal Coating to Begin on Ainakea Road in Lahaina

Road work ahead, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

The County of Maui Department of Public Works announced that its Highways Division will begin seal coating on Ainakea Road in Lahaina in December 2014.

The road work is part of the department’s pavement preservation program.

During construction, motorists are advised to expect delays as traffic will be restricted to a single lane, and access to driveways in affected areas will not be available due to drying time of approximately 4 to 6 hours.

County officials say temporary walkways will be provided in designated areas.

Residents in the area are asked to remove all vehicles along the roadway and to shut off all irrigation systems while crews are working on the street.

Follow-up memos are being sent to residents to inform them which areas will be affected.

Any questions regarding the sealcoating project may be directed to Public Works’ Lahaina District Office at 661-0501, Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

County officials say Maui is the first County in Hawai‘i to use sealcoating as a pavement surface treatment. Sealcoating is designed to extend the life of County roads. County officials say it saves money for taxpayers and provides safe, drivable roads for the public.

Sealcoats generally consist of a mixture of emulsified asphalt, water, mineral fillers and other materials that are applied directly to the surface of an asphalt pavement, according to county officials. The sealcoating serves to protect the top layer of asphalt from oxidation and wear caused by exposure to the sun, air, water and chemicals such as oil and gasoline.