Wailua Cane Haul Bridge Widening Project Breaks Ground, Bridge Complex Renamed in Honor of Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste
6/23: The state Department of Transportation (DOT) marked the start of the Wailua Cane Haul Bridge Widening Project on Kaua`i's Kuhi`o Highway with a groundbreaking ceremony this morning with federal, state and county officials.
Alongside Mrs. Annette Baptiste (center), officials from the federal, state, county, and industry sectors break ground at the Bryan J. Baptiste Memorial Bridge, Wailua Cane Haul Bridge Widening Project (Photo by afeinphoto.com) .
The $29.9 million project will replace the existing single-lane, northbound bridge structure with a new, pre-fabricated, two-lane bridge. The new structure will add an additional traffic lane and a separated, multi-use bicycle/pedestrian path across the Wailua River. When complete, two southbound lanes will run on the mauka-side bridge and two northbound lanes will run on the makai-side bridge, removing a traffic bottleneck and improving congestion for motorists traveling between Lihu`e and Kapa`a. Approximately 43 percent of Kaua`i residences and nearly half of the island’s visitor units are located north of the Wailua River.
“Kuhi`o Highway is a major lifeline of Kaua‘i’s economy and it impacts everyone’s quality of life,” said Brennon Morioka, state DOT Director. “This project will remove a traffic bottleneck for the Lihu`e to Kapa`a corridor reducing congestion now and into the future.”
In a special tribute, the Wailua River bridge complex was renamed in honor of the late Kaua`i County Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste, in recognition of his outstanding service to the people of Kaua`i. Through his efforts, the bridge widening project was jointly programmed, developed and designed as a partnership between the County of Kaua`i and the State. Mayor Baptiste died one year ago on June 22.
“It’s fitting that we dedicate these bridges to Mayor Baptiste,” said Governor Linda Lingle who participated in today’s groundbreaking ceremony. “Mayor Baptiste was a great leader who dedicated himself to the Kaua`i community and always worked to improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors. These bridges, which will bring people together, are representative of Mayor Baptiste’s legacy of finding collaborative and innovative solutions to move Kaua`i forward.”
Federal highway funds will cover 80 percent of the total project cost with state funds covering the remaining 20 percent. Construction is anticipated to begin in late July 2009, with completion in November 2010.
