Whatever Happened To...
An update on past news
|
Utility lines slow Puuloa Road project
Question: What ever happened to the Puuloa Road beautification and widening project scheduled to be completed this summer?
Answer: The contractor working on the project ran into unexpected problems digging up utility lines that were not marked on maps and were buried close to the surface, said Scott Ishikawa, state Department of Transportation spokesman.
The utility lines were located where water drainage culverts were to be placed. As a result, the lines had to be dug up and reburied at a deeper depth, Ishikawa said.
The project was supposed to be finished this summer but will continue until next spring, he said.
The DOT is also asking the Legislature for $3 million to cover the additional work. The project was initially budgeted for $18.4 million.
STAR-BULLETIN
The Puuloa widening project began in 2005.
|
|
The state has finished a parking lot with room for about 80 cars on the Ewa side of Puuloa Road, Ishikawa said.
Construction crews are working near the intersection of Puuloa Road and Salt Lake Boulevard. That section of the project is scheduled to be completed in May or June, Ishikawa said.
At that point the work will continue on the Diamond Head side of Puuloa Road, and traffic will be diverted onto the newly paved parking lot area on the Ewa side.
When the project is completed, there will be left-turn lanes at Mokumoa Street and Mapunapuna Place, a median, bike lanes in each direction, lighting, sidewalks, curbs and landscaping.
This update was written by Craig Gima.
Ever wonder what happened to a person, event or issue that has been in the news? We'll find out for you if you e-mail us at
cityeditors@starbulletin.com, call us at 529-4747 or write 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana, Honolulu, HI 96813. "What Ever Happened to ..." runs Saturdays.