Road Closures Scheduled Above Slope on Menehune Road

Road closures are scheduled this week for the affected area above the slope on Menehune Road in Waimea.

The closures are scheduled from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. through Friday, Feb. 4. No road closures are scheduled for the weekend. Weekday road closures are necessary to accommodate slope and bridge work.

The county Public Works Roads Division is providing road closure signage, a messaging board, traffic safety barriers and personnel on-site, as needed, to assist with access control.

Menehune Road is now open to regular traffic during non-working hours. However, ongoing temporary road closures could be necessary in the future as work on the slope might be necessary until permanent measures are designed and constructed.

On Monday, Jan. 31, HiTech, the county’s contractor, installed erosion control measures prescribed by Geolabs – a contracted geotechnical engineering firm.

Also on Monday, Kaikor Construction – the county’s contractor for repair work on the Waimea Swinging Bridge – began construction for additional safety measures to stabilize the bridge further before temporary repairs start. The work includes addressing the bridge tower base and installing two new kickers that span across the road, from the tip of each tower on the bridge to the rock wall.

This work is scheduled from Monday through Friday. Temporary repairs are anticipated to start soon after to restore pedestrian access.

Given the historic nature of the bridge, the county expects the permanent repair project will require special order materials; thus, it will not occur for several months. The county will continue to work with Makaweli residents on their continued needs.

If you require assistance, contact the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

Effective Monday, Feb. 7, the county will revert to the regular Monday morning refuse collection service. If you currently don’t have a refuse cart and want to continue receiving county refuse collection service, contact the Division of Solid Waste Management at 808-241-4840.

Wellness checks and needs assessments will continue as needed for residents along Menehune Road and on the Makaweli side of the river. Anyone needing assistance is asked to call KEMA, which will coordinate with community partners.

The State Department of Land and Natural Resources’ alternate emergency access route from Waimea Canyon Drive, known as Panini Road, will remain open to local residents and first responders via 4×4 usage only. Motorists are urged to drive slowly and cautiously through the area.

If anyone in the affected area requires assistance during work hours, call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency. After working hours, call police dispatch at 808-241-1711.

If you have an emergency and require immediate assistance, call 911.

If you have a kupuna needing assistance from the Agency on Elderly Affairs, contact the office at 808-241-4470. If you have a schoolchild who needs assistance with distance learning options, contact KEMA.

The online newsletter is available on the “Waimea Valley Rockslide” page of the county’s website.