(BIVN) – There will be lane closures on Puʻainakō Street near the Waiākea Elementary and Intermediate schools, starting in two weeks when repaving work begins on the Hilo road.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation issued a notification about the closures this week. From the Hawaiʻi DOT:

There will be a single lane closure on Puʻainakō Street, in the vicinity of Kinoʻole Street and ʻIwalani Street, on Monday, March 18, through Friday, March 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to complete the first lift for repaving of this stretch. Special duty police officers will be on-site to direct traffic during the alternating lane closure.

Subsequent work on this project is to be completed as nightwork throughout April 2024, between the hours of 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Work dates will be announced as scheduled.

Previous preparation work on Puʻainakō Street included: the lowering of manholes and manhole covers, and the installation of Best Management Practices (BMP), such as perimeter biosocks along the shoulders. The estimated completion date for this project is May 2024, weather permitting.

Electronic message boards will be posted to notify motorists of closure information. HDOT reminds motorists to drive with caution and to follow all traffic control signs through the work zone area. Please note all work is weather permitting. The final completion date of this project is subject to change per these conditions.