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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 2:59 a.m., Sunday, October 7, 2007

Work on Big Island rock fall project coming to an end

Advertiser Staff

Roadwork conducted for the past two weekends by Hawaii County on a large rock face along Mamalahoa Highway will continue today, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is anticipated to be completed this weekend, according to Bruce C. McClure, director of the county Department of Public Works.

Roadwork started on Sept. 22 with crews working every weekend to cut back and partially remove the 20- to 30-foot rock face located at mile post 110.3, just south of the Napo`opo`o Junction. This is to prevent future rock falls on the South Kona stretch of road.

Although it was expected to be completed last weekend, unforeseen mechanical problems delayed the rock removal.

A study conducted in June recommended removing sections of the rock face to stabilize the area and prevent smaller rocks from falling on the northbound lane of Mamalahoa Highway, McClure explained. The rubble generated from this work will be used as fill for the future realignment of Napo`opo`o Junction.

McClure advised that residents in the immediate vicinity may hear "hammering" as the rock is broken up for removal. Motorists should plan on delays of up to 30 minutes while the work is under way. It is recommended that motorists traveling to Honaunau and beyond take Napo`opo`o Road to Middle Ke`ei Road, avoiding the area where work is taking place.

For updated information on this roadwork and other projects around the Island of Hawai`i, call the 24-hour Hotline at 334-9559.