DOT TO REPLACE WAINIHA BRIDGE NO. 2 ON KAUA`I

LIHUE – Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona Jr., Mayor Bryan Baptiste, and officials from the state Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced that by the end of November, the state will install a temporary replacement bridge over the existing Wainiha Bridge No. 2.

To accelerate the project, Governor Linda Lingle signed an emergency proclamation to allow the DOT to acquire and install the temporary bridge that will replace the deteriorating, 50-year-old, one-lane, wooden bridge along the North Shore of Kaua`i. The Governor made the decision to issue the emergency proclamation after meeting with Mayor Baptiste on Kaua`i on Monday regarding the condition of the bridges in the county.

“The safety of the people who use the Wainiha Bridge No. 2 every day is of paramount concern for the state and the county,” said Lt. Governor Aiona. “The Governor recognizes the historical significance of the bridges in North Kaua`i and the community’s desire to preserve these fixtures of the rural landscape. This temporary bridge will give the community, county and state time to develop a permanent solution to the bridges, while ensuring the immediate safety.”

DOT engineers last week determined that the one-lane bridge is deteriorating at an accelerated rate. Vehicles exceeding the bridge’s vehicle weight limit, which was recently reduced to six tons, appear to have significantly contributed to the bridge’s poor condition.

“We have been working with the DOT over the past eight months to address concerns regarding all the bridges in the North Shore area. We know that we cannot gamble with the safety of Kaua`i’s residents and visitors,” stated Mayor Baptiste. “It is imperative that the situation be addressed expeditiously and without delay. I applaud Governor’s Lingle’s recognition of the seriousness of Wainiha Bridge No. 2’s condition.”

Parts for the temporary bridge are expected to be shipped and reach Kaua`i by the end of October. The bridge will be assembled on the island, and installation is expected to be completed by the end of November.

DOT estimates it will need to completely shut down the Wainiha Bridge No. 2 for up to 24 hours to remove the existing bridge and install the replacement. The state is working with the county and community to determine the most appropriate date and time for the bridge closure. The state will notify residents, motorists, and area businesses well ahead of the scheduled closure.

“We have been monitoring the bridge situation and decided that this is the best course of action,” said acting Department of Transportation director Bruce Matsui. “We appreciate the county’s cooperation, and we will work closely with Mayor Baptiste and the North Kaua`i community to ensure any traffic inconveniences during the installation are kept to a minimum.”

Recognizing the high number of visitors who cross the bridge to get to Haena State Park as well as to inns and other visitor accommodations and businesses in the area, the state has contacted North Kaua`i visitor industry officials to address their concerns. Marsha Wienert, the state’s tourism liaison said she is working with the North Kaua`i businesses to ensure that visitors and employees are not stranded when the bridge is closed.

DOT officials will hold public meetings early next year to gather community input on any future design for the three Wainiha bridges.

Until the temporary bridge is installed, security will be posted at Wainiha Bridge No. 2 to enforce the 6-ton vehicle weight limit. Wainiha Bridges #1 and #3 are still at a vehicle weight restriction of eight and six tons, respectively.