The Wainiha Bridge on Kauai’s far North Shore will be closed nightly for repairs between Ala Eke Road and Ananalu Road from March 18th to March 22nd, 2024 between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., reports the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT). The $225,000 project will replace the bridge support and panel members that have corroded over time.
This is the bridge known as the Wainiha Double Bridge in the North Shore community of Wainiha. (The bridges are known as Wainiha Bridge No. 1 and Wainiha Bridge No. 2.) The bridges are on the area’s only road into and out of Kauai’s far North Shore. The bridge closure will have the biggest impact on local residents, some of whom work late at night or go to work early in the morning. Though the closure will have minimal impacts on the area’s tourism and visitors, it’s possible the closure could impact Kalalau Trail hikers looking to get an early start on the trail.
The unique one-lane bridges are a beloved fixture for the area’s rural setting. Vehicles in groups of about seven or eight on each side take turns crossing the one-lane bridges. The alternating traffic flow is a subtle reminder to slow down and take it easy in the relaxed and beautiful setting of Kauai’s tropical North Shore.
