Hawaii: Wailua River Bridge

The Road to Resiliency Runs through Paradise

Challenge: Built at the end of World War II, the Wailua River Bridge on the island of Kauai in Hawaii connects locals and tourists to the area hospital, airports, harbor, and major commercial areas. When the river floods, as it did in April 2018 and March 2020, logs and other debris flow down from the mountains and pile up against the bridge piers, forcing currents downward and causing major erosion to the bridge’s foundations.

The Solution: With help from the federal infrastructure investment law, reinforcements to this essential lifeline are on the way. Wood piles will be replaced by reinforced concrete piles, and a new pier will be built between them to support the existing superstructure. For locals – a more resilient, reliable bridge is coming.

What They’re Saying: “This is a critical infrastructure project for Kauai, and it’s the kind of work that Governor Ige has made a top priority for his administration,” said Jade Butay, director of the Department of Transportation. (HIDOT Press Release, 06/09/2022)