Rockslide Update: Swinging Bridge Access Work Starts Monday

Officials are announcing the following updates for the Waimea community affected by the rockslide that occurred on Menehune Road on Jan. 4.

Menehune Road and Waimea Swinging Bridge

Starting Monday, Feb. 14, Kaikor Construction – the county’s contractor for the Waimea Swinging Bridge repairs – will begin repairs for temporary pedestrian access to the Waimea Swinging Bridge. The scope of work includes restoring the section of the bridge’s pedestrian walkway, landing platform, and stairs damaged by the rockfall event. This phase of work is projected to be completed in two weeks.

During this phase of work, Menehune Road will be closed during the following dates and times:

Monday, Feb. 14, to Thursday, Feb. 17, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.;
Friday, Feb. 18, from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.;
Tuesday, Feb 22, to Thursday, Feb. 24, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and
Friday, Feb. 25, from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Traffic will be open on Feb. 19, Feb. 20, and Feb. 21 in observance of President’s Day.

The 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.

Temporary road closures may be needed in the future when work continues on the Waimea Swinging Bridge or if significant rain causes additional rockfall hazards. Updates on new road closures will be announced via this newsletter and roadway signage.

Given the historic nature of the Waimea Swinging Bridge, we expect the last phase of work to install the permanent repair materials will require special order materials; thus, officials anticipate that permanent repairs won’t start for several months. We will continue to work with Makaweli residents on their continued needs. If you require assistance, please contact KEMA at the numbers listed below.

The county’s geotechnical consultant continues to work on determining parameters for a permanent solution to mitigate additional rockfall hazards in this area on Menehune Road. Survey work to obtain topographic data of the slope is being scheduled.

Panini Road Emergency Access Route

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 x 4 usage only. Motorists are urged to drive slowly and cautiously through the area.

Additional Assistance

If anyone in the affected area requires assistance during work hours, call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) at 808-241-1800. After working hours, call Kaua‘i 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 their office at 808-241-4470. If you have a school-aged child who needs assistance with distance learning options, contact KEMA at 808-241-1800.

Those wishing to provide services or resources are asked to coordinate with KEMA.

The online newsletter is available on the “Waimea Valley Rockslide” page at www.kauai.gov/KEMA.