Weight restriction on Wainiha Bridge No. 3 lifted after crews complete abutment repairs

HDOT to Remove Rocks Upstream to Restore Flow

LĪHU'E, Hawai'i - The Hawai'i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has reopened Wainiha River Bridge No. 3 on Kaua'i to 15-ton traffic after access was weight-limited to 5 tons or below, to address scour damage from Hurricane Lowell. This reopening is happening ahead of the originally scheduled date of Monday, Sept. 21.

HDOT originally targeted this coming Monday to complete construction of a new abutment, after crews found that earth under the south end of the bridge was washed out by the storm and that the bridge was resting on the existing concrete wall. However, crews were able to complete the concrete pour to strengthen the foundation and pour the new abutment, resulting in the lifting of the vehicle weight restriction this morning.

During the weight-restriction closure of the bridge, HDOT worked with Kaua'i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) to coordinate access for emergency vehicles and heavy machinery needed for recovery work by government agencies and community members.

The emergency work that was completed during the past week on Wainiha Bridge No. 3 is not expected to be affected by the increased rainfall resulting from the remnants of Tropical Storm Norbert.

Additional work in the area is still ongoing, including installing grouted riprap to protect the bridge abutments and piers. Stream bank stabilization methods are also being implemented to protect against scour damage in the future.

HDOT also will dispatch a crew to clear rocks that have piled up at the river fork upstream, to allow water to flow again. If weather permits, the work will begin tomorrow and is expected to take one to two days to complete.

Photos (credit: Hawai'i Department of Transportation)

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