(BIVN) – The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is working to get the word out on the situation along the Daniel k. Inouye Highway, or Saddle Road, on the first day of construction of the thirty Meter Telescope.

Ed Sniffen, the DOT Deputy Director of Highway, surrounded by media, as well as opponents of the TMT project, held a quick press conference at the Saddle Road / Mauna Kea Access Road intersection.

Later, this media release was issued by the State of Hawaiʻi:

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is urging all motorists to exercise caution as they approach the intersection of Mauna Kea Access Road and the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (formerly Saddle Road) due to the increased activity on Mauna Kea Access Road.

HDOT has placed trucks with flashing lights on the shoulders of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (DKI) a half-mile out from the intersection in both directions to warn motorists of the activity at the intersection. Should you be driving on DKI in this area, please slow down to a reasonable speed and be prepared to stop for pedestrians in the roadway.

As a reminder, Mauna Kea Access Road, including the shoulders that are part of the highway right-of-way, is closed as of Monday, July 15, 2019. The road will remain closed until further notice. HDOT will continue to provide updates on the limited access to Mauna Kea Access road and will notify the public when it is reopened.