Highway Improvements Planned Near Auwahi Wind Site

There will be temporary lane closures along Upcountry Pi`ilani Highway between Papaka Road and the Auwahi Wind project site on Ulupalakua Ranch starting on December 10. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Temporary lane closures will be implemented starting on December 10 along the Upcountry Pi`ilani Highway (Route 31) as crews work to restore the road that was impacted during construction of the Auwahi Wind project on Ulupalakua Ranch.

BP and Sempra US Gas & Power announced the traffic advisory today saying the temporary closures will be implemented for no more than 30 minutes at a time between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.  Company officials say extended delays are possible due to unforeseen circumstances, but not anticipated.

The closures will take place along the Upcountry section of the Pi`ilani Highway between Papaka Road (just after mile marker 16) and the Auwahi Wind project site (near mile marker 20).

The work is expected to impact traffic along this section of road for approximately two weeks.

Electronic notification boards have been placed along the highway in advance of the construction area, alerting motorists of the upcoming closures.

“We appreciate the public’s patience while these highway improvements are being made,” said Lisa Briggs, representative from Sempra US Gas & Power in a statement today.

Auwahi Wind is a joint development of Sempra US Gas & Power and BP Wind Energy.