Corroding historic
Kauai bridge may
be torn down,
replicated

Meanwhile, chicken wire
will stop rusted metal
from falling

By Anthony Sommer
Star-Bulletin

HANALEI, Kauai -- The original 1912 Hanalei River Bridge is so badly corroded that it must be torn down and replaced as soon as possible, state highway engineers have decided.

The good news is that the landmark structure is mostly there for looks. It rests on top of another, barely conspicuous bridge built in 1967, which is what motorists actually drive on.

Results of engineering studies conducted last August and made public Thursday show the underlying structure is sound, as are the concrete abutments beneath it.

Because the fragile upper structure is a candidate for the National Register of Historic Places, the state has decided to replace it with an exact replica made of more modern steel, Kauai District highway engineer Steve Kyono said.

Like the original, it will be ornamental while the 1967 bridge actually carries the load.

Because the bridge is a federally protected historical site, the rehabilitation will have to be supervised by the State Historical Preservation Office.

Kyono said he has verbal approval to go ahead with a replica bridge, but written authority will require it to meet exacting specifications.

Several companies on the mainland that specialize in rehabilitating old bridges already have indicated an interest, he said.

Meanwhile, a contract will be awarded later this month to wrap the old bridge in chicken wire to stop rusted pieces of metal from falling on cars and on kayaks in the river. The chicken wire will be used until the old structure is removed.

Engineers said the chicken wire is needed immediately, and displayed several large pieces of rusted metal they found around the bridge during a cursory inspection. The rate of corrosion of the structure is accelerating, they noted, and the danger of falling steel is increasing.

"If you go across that bridge, don't sneeze. That's all I can tell you," said Abba Lichtenstein, a world-renowned authority on historic bridges from Tenafly, N.J., who since 1973 has been an engineering consultant on the bridge.

The bridge is rated at 15 tons and is only 17 feet wide, just enough for one lane. No-growth advocates on Kauai's North Shore see it is a barrier to heavy trucks and construction equipment and have fought any attempt to widen it.

Replacement of the old structure is estimated at $1.3 million and will take about two years.

Kyono said there is money in the current budget to pay for the project.

Beware of road repairs Roadwork planned this week throughout Oahu: LEEWARD OAHU Kunia: Kunia and Fort Weaver roads near the Kunia Interchange; Kupuna Loop to Honowai Street; and the H-1 freeway ramps 5, 5A and 5B and other Kunia Interchange on-ramps. Nanakuli: Farrington Highway from Piliokoe Bridge to vicinity of Aliinui Drive. Maili: Ehu, Hakeakea and Waapuhi streets. Waianae: Kaukamana Street to St. John's Road; Farrington Highway at Maliona Street; and Kulaaupuni Street from Ohiohi Place to Kaukamana Street. Makaha: Maiuu and Mahinaau roads. NORTH OAHU Haleiwa: Kamehameha Highway at Haleiwa Bypass Road; and Helemano-Waialua Junction to Haleiwa Beach Park. CENTRAL OAHU Mililani: Mililani Interchange. Waipahu: Kahuamoku Place; Farrington Highway from Leoole to Awanui streets, Awanui and Leoku to Paiwa streets, and Awanui Street to Waipio Point Access. Waiawa: Waipahu Street to Waiawa Road; Waiawa Interchange; Kipou Street from Hulahe to Honowai streets; Honowai Street from Kipou to Hoaeae streets; and Hoaeae Street from Honowai Street to near the Hoaeae Pumping Station. Waimalu: H-1, Waimalu Viaduct to Halawa Interchange. HONOLULU Moanalua: Moanalua Freeway from Ala Kapuna to Ala Napunani. Salt Lake: Salt Lake Boulevard. Kalihi: Likelike Highway from Valley View Drive to H-1; School Street from Jikoen Mission to Kapalama Elementary; Kapalama Elementary to Makuahine Street; Valley View Drive intersection; Gulick Avenue; and Makuahine and School streets. Liliha: Liliha Street from North King Street to Vineyard Boulevard. Nuuanu: Pali Highway from Country Club Road to the tunnel entrance, including both roads to the lookout; Dowsett Avenue to Pali Tunnel; Waokanaka Street to Nuuanu Pali Drive; Kaohinani Drive from Kimo to Pelekane drives; Kahawalu Drive between Kaohinani and Niolopua drives; and Kimo Drive Bridge and Old Pali Road. Kakaako: Keawe Street on Ala Moana, South and Queen streets, and Nimitz Highway; and River Street to end at Hotel Street. Pauoa: Star Road from Kanealii Avenue to end. Makiki: Lewalani Drive from Clio Street to Wilder Avenue; Round Top Drive. Moiliili: University Avenue and South King Street intersection. Manoa: University Avenue between Maile Way and Coyne Street and at East Manoa Road. St. Louis Heights: St. Louis Drive between Bertram and Oswald streets. Palolo: Keanu Street between 8th Avenue and Sierra Drive; and 9th and 10th avenues between Keanu Street and Waialae Avenue. Waialae: Kealaolu Avenue Road from Leahala to Waialae avenues. Waikiki: Kalakaua Avenue; Ohua to Kuhio avenues; and Kaiulani Triangle Minipark at intersection of Kuhio and Kaiulani avenues. WINDWARD OAHU Kaneohe: Area near 44-390 Kaneohe Bay Drive. Kailua: Hamakua Drive near Hahani Street; and Ilimano Street between Ilihau and Ililani streets. Waimanalo: Flamingo and Ahiki streets. EAST OAHU Hawaii Kai: Kalanianaole Highway from Hanauma Bay to Sandy Beach; and Lunalilo Home Road to Kealahou Street. PARADE St. Patrick's Day: From Fort DeRussy to Queen Kapiolani Park, noon Wednesday.