Work along highway will keep boulders off drivers
WAILUKU » A state project to remove rocks and install a net along a pali section of a highway linking west and central Maui is expected to occasionally slow traffic for about three months.
Some boulders and rocks are posing a risk on the pali hillside, the result of two earthquakes and torrential rains in mid-October, state transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa said.
The work involves about 3.3 miles between Maalaea and the pali tunnel, where there is no netting to capture falling rocks.
The pali hillside from the tunnel toward west Maui had netting installed more than a decade ago to capture falling rocks.
State officials said the work is expected to start Monday and continue through February, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday through Saturday.
Officials said intermittent stoppages of both lanes will be necessary to allow workers and equipment to lower rocks and boulders and clear the roadway.
Work requiring complete lane closures for extended periods will be scheduled from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The no-bid emergency contract of $3 million is being executed by Janod Contractors.
In addition to rock removal, the contract calls for the drilling and installation of anchors and placement of netting along the slopes.