Some of the more dangerous stretches: Big Island

Compiled by Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Staff Writer

KeA'au-PAhoa Road (Highway 130)

Martha Hernandez • The Honolulu Advertiser

• Many sections of this primarily two-lane road have no shoulders because of surrounding lava fields. Sections of roads that do have shoulders are often used by drivers to pass illegally. Many portions are also unlighted.
• Planned improvements: State is currently widening some of the road's shoulders.
  
  
  

MAmalahoa Highway (Hawai'i Belt Road)

• From Waimea to upper Kona at Palani Junction.

2001 fatalIties: One. Five deaths since 1998.
Speed limit: 55 mph
Average vehicles per day: 3,995

• Officials say speeding is the main cause of accidents. Lava fields on both sides of the road leave little room for driver error.
• Planned improvements: No major work planned since the state has focused construction work on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, which runs parallel.
  
  
  

Saddle Road

• A 45-mile stretch from Kaumana to Mamalahoa Highway.

Martha Hernandez • The Honolulu Advertiser

• This bumpy, lightly-traveled road is used as an alternate Hilo-Kona commute and to access Mauna Kea and Pohakuloa Military Training Area. Road is notorious for its blind curves, with many sections barely wide enough for two lanes. Numerous inclines make it dangerous for drivers to overtake other traffic. Fog at the Hilo end of the road makes for very poor visibility, and its remoteness makes it difficult for accident victims to receive prompt medical assistance.
• Planned improvements: Barring future legal delays, the first phase of construction to improve Saddle Road is expected to start early next year, and will include major repaving and straightening of some sharp turns. State transportation officials predict the entire $180 million project will take 10 to 12 years, based on availability of federal highway money.

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Martha Hernandez • The Honolulu Advertiser

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Note: All drawings are schematic

Sources: Data courtesy of state Department of Transportation and Honolulu Department of Transportation Services