Hanalei Hill slope stabilization work begins next week

A single-lane closure on Kūhiō Highway (Highway 560) is slated for the week of Sept. 5 as part of the Hanalei Hill Slope Stabilization project.

The closure will occur from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 5-8 in the vicinity of the Hanalei Fire and Police Station and the Hanalei Bridge. Traffic in both directions will be maintained using alternating traffic control. Flaggers will be staged at either end of the work area.

This marks the beginning of work on the permanent Hanalei Hill Slope Stabilization project, which is anticipated to be completed by November 2025, weather permitting. The project comes after Hanalei Bridge was severely damaged during flooding events in 2018 and a landslide in 2021.

During the closure, crews with the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will clear the project staging area at the bottom of the slope, place construction signs and install required Best Management Practices. To maximize the closure and minimize future disruption to highway users, crews will perform tree trimming along Hanalei Hill concurrent to the stabilization work.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and proceed with caution through the work area. Electronic message boards will be in place to notify motorists of closure information.