Ask the Mayor: What’s Happening with the Lahaina Bypass?

State transportation project, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the questions submitted to his staff.

Submit your own questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa at [email protected], 270-7855 or mail them to 200 S. High Street, 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793.

Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.

Aloha Mayor,

Q. Do you know what’s happening with the Lahaina Bypass project?

A. Yes, grading on the newest phase of the Lahaina Bypass (1B-2) is expected to begin in late February. Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company has been awarded the contract, and the design process on this State project is being finalized.

The project is currently waiting for two county grading permits to begin onsite work. Hawaiian Dredging has set up a website for the public where project details and updates can be found, including expected traffic impacts, photos and information on the timing of work on the various sections.

Visit www.lahainabypass1B-2.com to see slides of some of the project components, which include roadways, culverts, bridge crossings and intersections controlled by traffic signals. Specialized abutments have been incorporated into the design to complement views of the coastline and mountains, and natural contours are being used to limit the amount of drainage facilities required.