The residents of Waimanalo will get the highway safety improvements they've been waiting for now that Gov. Linda Lingle has released more than $4.2 million in construction funds for median improvements on Kalaniana'ole Highway in the vicinity of Olomana Golf Course.

The project will install permanent median barriers in the vicinity of the golf course entrance; widen the north (mauka) side of the roadway (Makapu'u-bound) to allow space for the new median barriers; improve highway lighting; modify striping; install median rumble strips; relocate existing signs and utilities; install a "driver feedback speed display" sign; and perform other improvements as needed.

"The community voiced its strong concerns about this dangerous section of roadway, and now they will begin seeing results," Lingle said.

The total project cost is estimated to be $4,573,200, which includes a previous allotment of $350,000 for design.

Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2009 and be completed in January 2010.