State Breaks Ground on Wailua Bridge, Named in Honor of Late Kaua`i Mayor Baptiste
Governor Lingle joined the state Department of Transportation (DOT), as well as federal and county officials at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Wailua Cane Haul Bridge Widening Project on Kaua`i's Kuhio Highway.
Governor Lingle, Mayor Bernard Carvalho, DOT Director Brennon Morioka, Mrs. Annette Baptiste (center) and Kaua`i community leaders break ground at the Bryan J. Baptiste Memorial Bridge. Photo by afeinphoto.com.
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.
"I know he would be honored to know the bridge bears his name," Governor Lingle said, adding that he would be "happier to know it will reduce traffic" and improve life for Kaua`i residents.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho also noted the late Mayor Baptiste's humility.
"[He had] a good heart, a good spirit, he was feisty at times and persistent. It wasn't about taking credit, it was about helping the community... It's about the relationships."
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 completed, 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 reducing 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.
"Kuhio 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."
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.
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"Baptiste legacy lives on in Wailua," The Garden Island, June 24, 2009
