Ask the Mayor: Why is the Speed Limit Only 10 MPH on the New Kīhei Bridge?

North Kīhei Road. Photo courtesy Marion Foley.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Mr. Mayor,

Q: Just have to ask… What’s the deal with the 10 mph speed limit on the new bridge in North Kīhei? Is it dangerous to drive over faster than that? If it can only sustain a vehicle at 10 mph, shouldn’t the contractor rebuild it again?

A: This is a temporary emergency bridge that will eventually be removed once new box culverts can be installed under South Kīhei Road. Our Public Works engineers said that due to the close proximity of the Ka‘ono‘ulu Road intersection to the north and the sidewalks along Kīhei Bay Villas to the south, the ramp transition lengths on either side of the bridge had to be designed to fit within this area. As they are relatively short, they only meet a design speed of 10 mph. The engineers considered maintaining a 20 mph design speed, but the ramp transition lengths were too long.

Federal monies are being used to fund the permanent bridge, which will include various environmental reviews and permitting, so it will take a few years to complete the process.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.