The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has announced that Kaua’i’s Loop Road will remain closed until at least the end of the year. This closure follows numerous heavy rainfall events in the Wailua area over the past six years.
After severe flooding in 2018, DOFAW secured $2,000,000 from the legislature and other sources for forest road and crossing repairs. Initial designs for repairs at “Queensland Crossing” or “3rd Crossing” were developed to obtain necessary permits, with work scheduled to begin this summer.
However, additional challenges arose following significant rainfall in April. Floodwaters drastically altered the stream channel, necessitating new designs for crossing repairs. These modifications require a new hydrological survey and additional permits. A permitting backlog could delay the start of any work by several months.
DLNR currently holds a contract for necessary repairs along portions of Loop Road, including the recently damaged 2nd Crossing and Queensland Crossing. Repairs on 4.5 miles of road mauka of these crossings will also be undertaken by DOFAW.
The DLNR Engineering Division and professional consultants are assisting DOFAW with these efforts. All work is expected to be completed by December's end, contingent upon weather conditions and permitting processes. For safety reasons, Loop Road will remain closed to all traffic until project completion.