HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-07-02 State Hwys Opens Hwy 130 in Puna, lowers speed limit -- press release
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DAVID Y. IGE
GOVERNOR
JADE T. BUTAY
DIRECTOR
For Immediate Release: July 2, 2018
18-0288
SAFETY RESTRICTIONS ON SPEED, PARKING REMAIN FOR
HIGHWAY 130 IN LOWER PUNA
HILO – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is reminding the public that
the speed limit on Highway 130 (Keaau-Pahoa Road) in the vicinity of the cracks at mile
markers 14.4 and 14.6 has been lowered to 25 mph since May 27, 2018.
“We’re thankful for the work our crews and partners have put in to ensure continued
mobility for those in the East Rift Zone,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation
Director Jade Butay. “Even though the situation has stabilized enough to allow public
access to Highway 130, we are reminding those choosing to travel through the area of
speed and parking restrictions that we’ve put in place for their safety.”
Hawaii County announced that Highway 130 would be opening to all traffic beginning at
8 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2018.
The speed limit along Highway 130 from the Highway 130/Highway 132 (Pahoa-Kapoho
Road) intersection to the highway’s intersection with Kamaili Road/Opihakao Drive has
been reduced to 35 mph. The original speed limit along Highway 130 from mile marker
11.46 to mile marker 15.3 varied between 45-55 mph.
Temporary “No Parking” signs have also been installed near Leilani Estates at the
request of the county.
Motorists are reminded that stopping or parking on the metal plates or at other
unauthorized points along Highway 130 is not advisable as HDOT and the county
continue to monitor heat and gas levels in the area. Camera views showing the heat
coming from the cracks beneath Highway 130 remain available through
http://ops.punatraffic.org
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“Even though Hawaii County is opening the road up to the public we want to remind
folks that they may be traveling through areas where people have lost everything and
are at continued threat,” said Hawaii District Engineer Donald Smith. “If you are not a
resident and are passing through, please be mindful of this and the signs that are
posted along the highway for your safety.”
HDOT’s Hawaii District, federal, state, county, and private partners continue to work on
the additional alternative route from the Black Sand Subdivision to South Kaohe
Homestead Road. Work on alternate evacuation routes using Chain of Craters Road
and an alternate route around the cracking on Highway 130 through land owned by
Sandford Service Center Inc. was completed on June 2, 2018.
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