(BIVN) – The speed limit on Highway 19 near Papaikou has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph.

In a Friday news release, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation announced the speed reduction would be between Kopilimai Road and Ka‘ie‘ie Road.

From the Hawaiʻi DOT:

Effective from the installation of the new speed limit signage on Friday, June 9, the speed limit in the area will be 35 mph in both directions for about a half mile. Previously the speed limit in the area was 45 mph.

The speed limit is being lowered to provide a smooth transition before entering the Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Elementary and Intermediate School area. HDOT will be installing a raised crosswalk in the area starting Tuesday, June 13.

HDOT has been actively managing speed in areas we anticipate high rates of vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. This improves safety by increasing reaction time for drivers and other users and improves survivability if a crash does occur. By normalizing safe speed limits, right-sizing corridors, and upgrading infrastructure with features that guide the user to appropriate speeds such as roundabouts and raised crosswalks, we can reduce serious traffic injuries and fatalities while ensuring an efficient system. More on the HDOT safety improvement plan can be found (here).