Paving work on Crater Road (Route 378) is scheduled to begin Thursday, August 7, following delays from the original July 14 start date, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT). The project will start at Mile Post 10.15 near the entrance to Haleakalā National Park and proceed down to Mile Post 0 near Kekaulike Avenue in Kula. Initial paving efforts will focus on the section between Mile Posts 10.15 and 7.5.
Work will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. During these hours, one lane will be closed at a time, with traffic being alternated through the open lane. The bike lane, shoulder, and sidewalk within the work zone will also be closed.
Crews are set to mobilize additional equipment along Crater Road on Wednesday, August 6; however, there will be no lane closures that day. The scope of work includes removing the existing top layer of pavement, reconstructing sections of roadway, and repaving the lanes.
At the conclusion of paving operations, HDOT plans to install speed tables between Mile Posts 0.35 and 2.0 in response to motorists exceeding speed limits by significant margins. “As majority of motorists have been observed driving 15 to 20 mph above the posted speed limit of 20 mph. Some vehicles were tracked at traveling as fast as 50 mph above the speed limit,” HDOT stated.
More information about speed table construction is expected closer to its anticipated start in fall.
For updates on construction schedules or changes, HDOT advises checking its social media pages on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiDepartmentOfTransportation) and Twitter/X @DOTHawaii. Weekly lane closure information is available at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/.
Motorists are encouraged to plan accordingly for potential delays and follow all traffic control devices while driving near workers.
