Modular Building Installation at Hospital to Impact Traffic

Construction is already underway for the new modular building located next to the emergency room at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Photo 8/29/14 by Wendy Osher.

By  Wendy Osher

The installation of a new modular building at the Maui Memorial Medical Center campus in Wailuku will result in anticipated traffic impacts as crews transport units on several tractor trailers over the weekend.

The units will house the new MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computerized tomography) scanning equipment that will be housed between the existing Emergency Room and MRI buildings, said project manager Patrick Miyahira.

A total of seven tractor-trailers will be used to transport the modular units during daylight hours from Waikō Road in Wailuku to the hospital on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30 and 31, 2014.

Motorists are advised to expect intermittent delays when traveling on or near East Waikō Road, Waiʻale Road, Waiinu Road, and Maui Lani Parkway.  Delays are also projected on Mahalani Street where the trailers may be positioned in front of the Emergency Department.

Delays are projected on Mahalani Street where the trailers may be positioned in front of the Emergency Department. Photo 8/29/14 by Wendy Osher.

Hospital administrators say traffic personnel will be on-site to assist drivers with directions.  Those needing access to the Emergency Department during construction may use the main driveway entrance to MMMC on Mahalani Street. Directional signs will be posted.

The new CT Scanner equipment was funded by the state Department of Health through its Trauma Special Fund.

Once the construction is complete and the new scanner is installed, it will allow physicians to see more anatomical detail in only a fraction of the time that it currently takes with the existing scanner, according to information published in this month’s edition of the hospital newsletter.

” Faster speeds and better image resolution will allow for rapid examination and treatment for our patients.  The newer technology of this scanner also has a significantly lower radiation dose that is delivered to our patients to minimize the risk of developing radiation-related cancers, especially in our pediatric population,” the newsletter stated. 

Hospital administrators apologized in advance for the inconvenience and thanked the public for their cooperation as the hospital staff works to upgrade facilities to better serve its patients.