The 2.5-mile Waihe’e Ridge Trail will reopen temporarily beginning today, following the completion of a first phase of public safety improvements, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced.

Work on the state-owned property included trail surface improvements, drainage upgrades, vegetation management and the construction of benches, picnic tables and two mostly completed observation platforms, the department said. The trail had been closed since Jan. 3.

Officials urge hikers to be cautious as they venture out on the ridge trail that climbs the windward slope of the West Maui Mountains.

“Due to recent work on the trail, it is extremely muddy and slippery and will remain that way for an extended period,” the department’s announcement says.

Officials suggested hikers use walking sticks and wear shoes with good traction.

The trail will be closed again March 20 for the completion of the observation decks, more trail work and construction of several retaining walls on switchbacks in the trail’s upper sections.

Work should be completed by April 7 if construction materials arrive on time and there are no weather-related delays.

The project’s first phase was delayed by poor weather, contractor scheduling conflicts and back-ordered materials, officials said.

The $27,000 project is being done by contractor Trails Unlimited LLC, with assistance from staff from the Maui Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program.

The program manages the Waihe’e Ridge Trail, one of Maui’s most popular hiking trails, according to the department. The trail provides hikers with panoramic views of East Maui and Waihee Valley. The state’s forestry staff created the trail in the 1960s to plant trees.

For more information, contact Torrie Nohara, trails and access specialist, at 984-8100.