Papahawahawa Bridge Replacement Begins

By Wendy Osher

East Maui coastline, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Crews begin work today on replacement of the Papahawahawa Bridge in East Maui.  The project includes demolition of the existing bridge and replacement with a concrete structure.  Work also involves the removal of a diversion bridge that was constructed two years ago.

The Papahawahawa Bridge is located at mile marker 46.5 on the Hana Highway between Hana and Kipahulu. The bridge was constructed in 1915 and was among a list of county bridges identified to have structural deficiencies in the Final Preservation Plan for County of Maui Bridges Within the Hāna Highway Historic District, which was published in December 2001.

County engineers say the bridge is one of at least three the County of Maui is working to address.  According to County engineers, the original bridge was deficient, so the detour was constructed.  The detour will remain in place while the original bridge is replaced.  Once that is complete, county officials say the detour will be taken down.

Work on the county project will be done weekdays between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with completion slated for the end of February 2012.

The County has jurisdiction over the road from Hana town, through Kipahulu, all the way to Ulupalakua Ranch.