Hanalei Bridge, Hawaii
Island of Kauai, Hawaii
CLIENT Hawaii Dept. of Transportation
PARTICIPANTS Abhe & Svoboda, Inc.
SCOPE OF WORK Steel Demolition
VALUE $1.88 million
SCHEDULE October 2001 - September 2003
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONU.S. Senator, Daniel Inouye, Dedicates the Newly Completed Hanalei Bridge Hanalei Bridge is an Example of Historic Preservation Hanalei Project Receives National Award from Federal Highway Administration 2004 Transportation Planning Excellence Awards 2004 Public Works Project of the Year Awards |
2004 Transportation Planning Excellence Award 2004 Historical Restoration Project of the Year
The north shore of Kauai is considered one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. The area is characterized by tranquil valleys with green taro fields, dense tropical forests, countless waterfalls, and the majestic and rugged cliffs of the famous Na’Pali coast. The pristine landscape is home to some of the most isolated and sacred places in Hawaii and is believed to be among the first areas settled by the ancient Hawaiians. The 110 foot long Hanalei Bridge, originally built in 1912, is one of only two bridges in Hawaii registered as a National Historic Landmark. The one-lane Hanalei Bridge, is the only roadway connection for remote north shore communities to the rest of the island. Local residents feel the Hanalei Bridge protects the area from over-development and tourism, by preventing large construction trucks, heavy equipment, and tour buses from entering the area. Starting in the 1970’s, several plans to widen the bridge were put forth, but local community members repeatedly opposed the plans due to the fear of losing their rural lifestyle. For decades, transportation planners and community members were unable to reach a compromise. Meanwhile, the Hanalei Bridge sat in disrepair and severely deteriorated to the point that large pieces of steel were falling off of the truss onto the road deck. In 2001, Abhe & Svoboda, Inc. began renovation work on the Hanalei Bridge. The entire steel truss superstructure was dismantled, as well as the wooden plank road deck. The one lane bridge is the only crossing over the Hanalei River, therefore critical operations were scheduled to minimize bridge closures. Abhe & Svoboda, Inc. worked with the Department of Transportation to keep community members and motorists informed of upcoming closure schedules via a telephone hotline. A new truss made of high strength steel members was erected in place of the old superstructure, and painted with a high tech protective coating system. The new truss was designed to resemble the original bridge to preserve the look of the valley. The bridge was painted the original color, and the manufacturer’s plaque from 1912 was mounted on the new truss to commemorate the original structure.
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