By ERIK GABALDON West Hawaii Today
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Efforts to replace the 93-year-old Waiaka Stream Bridge in South Kohala are still in motion, but construction is not expected to begin until late this year, state officials said.

The new bridge would be approximately 53 feet wide by 80 feet long to accommodate two travel lanes — one in each direction — a roadway shoulder or bike lane and raised sidewalk, according to the state Department of Transportation.

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Additionally, the roadway leading to the bridge will be realigned to create a smoother transition. The intersection of Kawaihae Road and Kohala Mountain Road also would be reconfigured to a roundabout.

DOT said it would start seeking bids for the project this month.

A projected completion date is set for the end of 2027, state Sen. Tim Richards told West Hawaii Today.

Powerlines, transformers and additional supporting infrastructure need to maintain service during construction, and it can be problematic due to the design and location of the bridge, he said.

The current bridge consists of a curved-concrete structure about 26 feet wide, with a bolted on three-foot wooden walkway. It has provided a major link between the east side of Hawaii to the west side for nearly a century, including Kawaihae Harbor.

According to National Bridge Inventory Standards ratings — conducted every other year — an inspection of the Waiaka Bridge ranked a score of 26 out of 100. A score of at least 100 is considered sufficient and meets engineering standards.

Due to such a low rating, the bridge is deemed “structurally deficient,” and also qualifies to receive a federal grant. The bridge is not considered unsafe, but it has raised many concerns for repairs or replacement.

The bridge’s new design is also aimed at including pedestrian access, lane widths, railing heights and shoulders. Other project goals include improving water flow under the bridge via the Keanuiomano Stream, which runs beneath.

“The existing Waiaka Bridge has a center pier which blocks debris, such as tree branches, from flowing down the stream,” the DOT said.

No sightings of water overflowing the bridge have been reported, but water levels have reached the bottom. The DOT said that the replacement bridge will need to accommodate a 100-year flood.

The Waiaka Bridge is located at the intersection of Kawaihae Road and Kohala Mountain Road in Waimea.