The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 27 that Puʻunēnē Avenue (Route 3500) in Kahului will be closed nightly from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. on Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31 for traffic signal work. The closure affects the section between Wākea Avenue and West and East Kauaʻi Streets, with the last closure ending at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 1.
This temporary closure is part of ongoing improvements aimed at enhancing traffic flow and vehicle movement along one of central Maui’s main roads. Contractors will program the traffic signal at the intersection of Wākea Avenue and Puʻunēnē Avenue and remove a signal pole during these hours. While signals may be set to flash mode, personnel will be present to direct vehicles through the intersection.
Highway users are advised that access to Puʻunēnē Avenue during closures can be made by heading west on West Wākea Avenue, then south on Lono Avenue before turning left onto West Kauaʻi Street. Details about detours are available in a map provided by HDOT (see here). During the same period, contractors will also install traffic sensors at Papa Avenue intersections with Puʻunēnē Avenue, requiring closure of left turn lanes onto both East and West Papa Avenues; personnel will assist motorists making left turns.
According to the official website, the Hawaii Department of Transportation manages airports for domestic and international carriers, commercial harbors, and highways across all six major Hawaiian islands as part of its role within the executive branch of state government. The department operates eleven commercial service airports, four general aviation airports, nine commercial harbors, and maintains approximately 2,450 lane miles statewide.
The department states it aims “to deliver a safe, efficient, accessible and sustainable transportation system that supports mobility for people and goods while fostering economic growth and quality of life,” according to its official website. It also collaborates with federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration as well as county planning departments across Hawaii.
All scheduled work is weather permitting. For updates or changes regarding construction schedules or detours related to this project or others managed by HDOT across multiple islands, updates can be found here.