In case you missed it: 24/7 lane closure at Waikoko Hairpin Turn no longer in place

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation recently notified the public that slope stabilization at Waikoko Hairpin Turn was completed; thus, the round-the-clock closure of a single lane was lifted.

The news was reported in mid-September.

The closure was in effect from Jan. 16 through Sept. 16 — a total of 8 months — and affected the Hāʻena-bound lane of Kūhiō Highway (Highway 560) at milepost 4.7.

During the 24-hour single lane closure period:

• About 16,000 cubic yards of the hillside were trimmed.
• 786 grouted soil nails and anchored wire mesh were installed.
• Installation of erosion control matting and resurfacing on the Kapaʻa-bound lane below the slope was accomplished.
• Inlet grate work and hydromulching — spraying a mixture of water, fiber mulch and tackifier on slopes to prevent soil erosion or foster revegetation — were conducted.

Seed fertilizer, or soil stabilizing polymers could also be applied with the hydromulch, which will be scheduled at a later date.

State transportation officials declared a traffic emergency zone for the area, allowing Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation to expedite procurement and permitting to conduct the improvements.