County and state crews are beginning studies on improvements for the Waikakoi and South Wailua bridges in East Maui. Maui County graphic

The Maui News

County and state crews are trying to decide whether to restore or replace a pair of 110-year-old bridges in East Maui.

The Waikakoi and South Wailua bridges are located south of Hana town at Mile Markers 45.5 and 44.7 on Hana Highway.

The county Department of Public Works and state Department of Transportation are beginning preliminary engineering and environmental compliance studies for the bridges, which face issues of deterioration and load capacity deficiencies, the county said in a news release Wednesday.

Load restrictions for the bridges are 9 tons for South Wailua and 12 tons for Waikakoi.

Starting today, residents and motorists may see project staff in the vicinity of the bridges conducting field work, including topographic, cultural and biological surveys and roadway borings.

Boring activities within the roadway will require overnight road closures that will be announced in advance, the county said.

A virtual public meeting will be held this summer to provide additional project information and gather public input.

For more information or to share concerns, contact Ty Takeno at ty.takeno@co.maui.hi.us or 270-7745.

To be placed on a mailing list for future project updates, contact Charlene Shibuya at charlene@munekiyohiraga.com or 244-2015.