Posts: 8,459
Threads: 1,032
Joined: May 2003
Any Punawebber feedback on using Railroad Ave? I am curious from at least three points of view:
1. As an emergency alternative to Hwy 130.
2. As a test of "connectivity" between HPP and environs south.
3. As a precursor for what a PMAR alternate route experience might be like.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Posts: 1,168
Threads: 39
Joined: Jun 2005
I made a video of it (edited out the middle to reduce viewer boredom). Took a little under 10 minutes from Hawaiian Shores' Kahakai-RR intersection to Maku'u
1. It was wider and faster than I had anticipated. But no idea what it will be like after a week of full-blown commutes to Hilo.
2. It's a great connector to HPP when I'm visiting friends, as it shaves off about 10 minutes (but guessing it buys me nothing if I'm going to Hilo)
3. See second sentence in comment #1. Only way to find out for sure is to close the highway and see what happens after a week of daily commutes. No idea how it will handle a bottleneck, but the width of the road won't hurt. I'd be more worried about potholes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSOg_U_yuMA
Tim
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
The current road is in nice condition & way wider than I had anticipated - much wider than a normal 2-car gravel road here (we had bicycled it years ago, but it was closer to a mud motor cross than bike trail then!) It has ben leveled fairly well & it looks like they did a good job of laying a road base...
It is very do-able in most cars as it is right now, as long as low speed is maintained... do not know what it will take to maintain it in the condition it is in right now, esp if people abuse it with speed & donut carving, and if there is the proper base construction to pave it, if it is not feasible to maintain the gravel in the present condition & if there is a need to have it as a main road, but it is spectacular now for a future rail-to-trail (OK that has always been MY dream for it..) even a LSV route... and as an alternate route at low speed (high speed will probably wear it down & kick rocks as it is now...)
The connectivity is OK for getting to Pahoa town (of course it is longer, & slower than 130...so not as great, but to get into both HB/HP/HS/HSRE & Nanawale & Kapoho, it is slower, but close to the same distance (shorter for some) and could be a nice alternate route (much nicer if someone would extract the zillion cars & white wares that were plowed out of the old Railroad roadway & shoved to the side!)
Posts: 140
Threads: 2
Joined: Mar 2012
As an emergency alternate route, it will work. If it becomes the primary route it will become a nightmare because the traffic will destroy the surface unless they are going to be regrading constantly. Be good for front end and tire shops though.
It is a nice connector between HPP/HB/points south
It would work for PMAR although given the state of county finances and priorities I don't see that happening any time soon.
life is short. enjoy it
life is short. enjoy it
Posts: 2,151
Threads: 73
Joined: Mar 2007
If you want to drive it anytime soon, go now. I heard they are closing it Wednesday noon. As far as PMAR, dream on. The county doesn't have $200 million, and they don't have the Shipmans on board, never mind the opposition in HPP.
Posts: 4,902
Threads: 83
Joined: Feb 2009
It will be an adequate alternative to 130 as long as they use water trucks to keep down the choking dust and they grade it on a regular basis.
I think connectivity between sub-divisions is something that is long overdue and it will be good test.I wish they would open up all the way to Kapoho.
It would be a good start of the PMAR.
It is already wider than most of the roads I use in lower Puna.
Railroad Ave. will be closed for maintenance & repairs as of 12 noon Wed. This closure is temporary !
Posts: 5,640
Threads: 101
Joined: Dec 2008
I was told that the plan was to pave RR if lava crossed the highway.
Posts: 1,217
Threads: 18
Joined: Jan 2014
The fact that it already needs maintenance and repair should tell you everything you need to know...
Posts: 3,212
Threads: 103
Joined: May 2009
Agreed with much of the above. Will work in a pinch, but not a replacement or real alternative to 130.
HPP to Beaches very drivable now at 25mph, wide lanes and shoulders.
Beaches to Nanawale, much rougher with many washboard areas especially near the multiple 90 deg turns. 15 - 20mph in normal car max IMO.
Only saw a few cars each time we've been out, so it doesn't seem to get much use currently and will likely need significant regular maintainance or improvements ($20 mil worth?
if it were the only route available.
As for PMAR - shape of road would likely work for increased speeds if paved. However, without a connector to Kea'au, it's really only good for a back route from HPP to Kapoho once you add in the extra time needed on Maku'u / Kahakai / Nanawale.
Posts: 1,219
Threads: 52
Joined: Dec 2014
"The Railroad Avenue alternate route will close noon Wednesday to allow maintenance and improvements to the centerline demarcation. Oliveira said it will reopen only if lava again threatens the highway. - See more at:
http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/loc...5InNH.dpuf"
