A bridge too far (out)

[Obie]

    The Four Mile Creek Bridge, located at the south end of Kilauea Avenue, was originally built in 1916 but carries roughly 11,000 vehicles per day thanks to its location directly connecting Kilauea Avenue with Highway 11. But with the bridge only wide enough for a single lane, it frequently snarls traffic as drivers wait for their turn to cross.

All of this to replace a one lane bridge.

[kalakoa]

The bridge will be an "island" of sidewalks and bike lanes, because there won't be room for those along the road on either side.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

an "island" of sidewalks and bike lanes

I use that bridge every time I drive downtown or leave Hilo from downtown. For over 20 years. Can’t say I’ve ever seen either a pedestrian or bike anywhere near there.
With that design it looks like construction workers will be busy for 4 years? 5?
At least the new bridge designers have planned for the future of the Hilo-Puna corridor. Now if only it connected to roads that also looked to the future, or at least the present.

[Chas]

I think it's a good idea to include the bike/pedestrian lanes. I don't think it will add that much to the construction time as most of the time (as with anything) is for demolition/prep work. Can't imagine slapping down a couple extra I beams and some more concrete will add that much time/money overall. Plus, I'm wondering if pedestrian lanes are mandated (?). Adding a couple extra feet for bikes doesn't seem like a big deal.

It is accounting for the (hopeful) future. "If you're gonna do it, do it right"

[MyManao]

All of this to replace a one lane bridge.

Hey Obie, am I right to assume, based upon your title for this thread, that you think a full on bridge, serving everyone, is wrong? Could you clarify? And while you're at it what, pray tell, would you suggest if not?

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

you think a full on bridge, serving everyone, is wrong? 

Since there is limited highway funding, would you rather have a bridge that allows hypothetical pedestrians to walk to… nowhere, or additional highway lanes to Paradise Drive, or Maku'u Drive which would serve thousands of people.

Or for residents of Volcano, an exit ramp for Glenwood Store to expedite beer purchases?

[MyManao]

Since there is limited highway funding..

From.. https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch...-plan-act/

Here’s how much money each state will receive from the American Rescue Plan, according to figures from the House Oversight and Reform Committee..

Hawaii – $2.27 billion

Chump change, eh?

I ain't saying it should or shouldn't be spent on one project or another, and I have no idea about County/State plans in the matter, and since all Obie posted was cryptic ramblings, I doubt he does either. But hey, as Chas pointed out "If you're gonna do it, do it right"

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

If you're gonna do it, do it right"

Like the highway between Keaau transfer & Shower? 
“Sorry, it’s only wide enough for 2 lanes”
“All right, you can have 3 lanes.”
“we don’t have $ for 4 lanes”
“It’s dangerous without pull off lanes”
“OK.  We’ll repaint the lanes narrower, skip the pull offs, best of luck and Godspeed.”

My point, I better add, was not to point out how future projects should be done right from the get-go, but that there are plenty of initiated projects that still need to be finished correctly before they go deluxe on future planning.

[HiloJulie]

Considering we just spent 18 MILLION last year to finance Public Improvements of this bridge, it makes sense to tear it down now and rebuild it!

https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink...Page1.aspx

[MyManao]

Considering we just spent..

Methinks you're confused.. maybe do a little more research..