15 thoughts on “Hanalei Bridge Closures And Multi-Year Repairs Begin”
Tim S
Glad the repairs are underway, but also glad we just finished our long-awaited family trip to the beloved north shore just last week. Would have been such a bummer to have construction impact it. I hope it goes well, especially for the sake of the locals! Aloha
We had this situation where we live. We have an old historic bridge that was one lane. The problem was solved perfectly. A modern two lane bridge was built close by that is now used and is safer. The historic one lane bridge is nearby and everyone is able to walk/ride bikes on it safely. Doing this is also safer for the bridge. Before the new bridge was built, somebody crashed their car on the bridge and it had to be restored. That problem will never happen again.
We have a place in Princeville and were aware of the landslide and an inkling on the bridge needing attention as we kayak the river when we are there. It’s been a few years since we have been back (Covid and the 11+ hour nonstop flight from the East Coast). We are hoping to return next year as we love the North Shore and the Hawaiian culture.
Aloha guys. Well I would say that firmly puts the last nail in the coffin, as they say. Talk about a great slowdown for wanna-be visitors. North shore embodies just about all the images that visitors think about when planning a trip there. Better starting the work sooner than later though. Would hate to hear or see the bridge collapse. Figures they missed the funding deadline. Those govt.people are on too long a vacation. Well I wish you both a great summer. Get all your swimming in and practice your patience. You’re gonna need it.
There is a need for highly visible posted directions or even traffic lights to ensure that even the visitors know the expected procedures. Most people will yield if they know it’s expected. And, I’m glad the bridges will be finally repaired appropriately, especially for the sake of those who have to cross the bridge daily. Mahalo!
We were visiting Kauai when the torrential rains caused the landslides, and were back during the erosion stabilization was in place. Out of respect for the residents needing access, we avoided that area, much to our loss of the beauty for that stretch of the north shore. I would do the same during the current repairs.
“This comes after four years of intermittent but ongoing troubles associated with travel to Kauai’s north shore.”
That would be over five years (starting April 2018 flood). The 6-8 cars “local tradition” should not be the rule. It is more efficient to drain all cars in each direction with the other side “yielding” until clear to go. Semi-related, Any day now there will be a Bridge Rage incident at the double bridges in Wainiha, because tourists (too) frequently don’t yield (wait their turn).
Thanks. Fixed. Funny we thought about that at the small bridges this weekend. But in the end the crossings all went smoothly. We didn’t mention that a result of the power line being down everything in Hanalei had to be shut down including all the restaurants and stores. It was something else.
It would not surprise me if the state dealt with the invasive species on private property the way most municipalities do – telling the owner to “Deal with it or we will fine you.”
Glad the repairs are underway, but also glad we just finished our long-awaited family trip to the beloved north shore just last week. Would have been such a bummer to have construction impact it. I hope it goes well, especially for the sake of the locals! Aloha
Stupid to repair this old bridge. It should be replaced with a new two lane bridge!
Spoken like a true tourist or someone who doesn’t appreciate the history of the place.
We had this situation where we live. We have an old historic bridge that was one lane. The problem was solved perfectly. A modern two lane bridge was built close by that is now used and is safer. The historic one lane bridge is nearby and everyone is able to walk/ride bikes on it safely. Doing this is also safer for the bridge. Before the new bridge was built, somebody crashed their car on the bridge and it had to be restored. That problem will never happen again.
We have a place in Princeville and were aware of the landslide and an inkling on the bridge needing attention as we kayak the river when we are there. It’s been a few years since we have been back (Covid and the 11+ hour nonstop flight from the East Coast). We are hoping to return next year as we love the North Shore and the Hawaiian culture.
Aloha guys. Well I would say that firmly puts the last nail in the coffin, as they say. Talk about a great slowdown for wanna-be visitors. North shore embodies just about all the images that visitors think about when planning a trip there. Better starting the work sooner than later though. Would hate to hear or see the bridge collapse. Figures they missed the funding deadline. Those govt.people are on too long a vacation. Well I wish you both a great summer. Get all your swimming in and practice your patience. You’re gonna need it.
Hi Debra.
Thanks. You have a great summer wherever your travels take you too!
Aloha.
There is a need for highly visible posted directions or even traffic lights to ensure that even the visitors know the expected procedures. Most people will yield if they know it’s expected. And, I’m glad the bridges will be finally repaired appropriately, especially for the sake of those who have to cross the bridge daily. Mahalo!
Long live the historic Hanalei Bridge.
We were visiting Kauai when the torrential rains caused the landslides, and were back during the erosion stabilization was in place. Out of respect for the residents needing access, we avoided that area, much to our loss of the beauty for that stretch of the north shore. I would do the same during the current repairs.
Off topic but any idea when the new scenic overlook will be open?
Hi Patrick.
We would have thought that by now it would be open. No word.
Aloha
“This comes after four years of intermittent but ongoing troubles associated with travel to Kauai’s north shore.”
That would be over five years (starting April 2018 flood). The 6-8 cars “local tradition” should not be the rule. It is more efficient to drain all cars in each direction with the other side “yielding” until clear to go. Semi-related, Any day now there will be a Bridge Rage incident at the double bridges in Wainiha, because tourists (too) frequently don’t yield (wait their turn).
Hi David.
Thanks. Fixed. Funny we thought about that at the small bridges this weekend. But in the end the crossings all went smoothly. We didn’t mention that a result of the power line being down everything in Hanalei had to be shut down including all the restaurants and stores. It was something else.
It would not surprise me if the state dealt with the invasive species on private property the way most municipalities do – telling the owner to “Deal with it or we will fine you.”