An additional $2.6 million has been released by state officials for construction of shoulder and barrier improvements on Kalaniana'ole Highway near Makapu'u Point.

The damaged retaining wall on the makai shoulder is causing parts of the road to sink. This project will demolish the upper portion of the retaining wall and construct a new, ground-anchored concrete barrier wall on the makai side of the existing wall. It will also install guard-railing and repave weakened roadways. In addition, loose rocks from the mauka slope will be removed and a new impact barrier fence will be constructed along the mauka shoulder to address erosion and rockfall concerns.

Total cost of the project is estimated to be $13.3 million, according to Gov. Linda Lingle's office. That amount includes a previous state allotment of $1.03 million for design work and federal money totaling nearly $9.7 million for construction.

Construction began in May and is scheduled to be completed in October 2009.