US Bridges

Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal

Poor

Hawaii County, Hawaii · 2-2-012:016 · Structure no. 001220001100002

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,600
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal in Hawaii County, Hawaii. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 76 years old, older than the Hawaii average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 9,600 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,065 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPauahi ST
CrossesWaiolama Canal
Location2-2-012:016
CountyHawaii County
StateHawaii
Coordinates19.72094, -155.07876
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.3 US tons
Inventory rating61.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,600 (2016)
Projected traffic16,065 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$642,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal carry?

About 9,600 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.