US Bridges

Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal

Fair

Hawaii County, Hawaii · 2-2-012:016 · Structure no. 001220001100003

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
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 prestressed concrete slab carrying Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal in Hawaii County, Hawaii. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 2024, 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 9,600 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,065 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesPauahi ST
CrossesWaiolama Canal
Location2-2-012:016
CountyHawaii County
StateHawaii
Coordinates19.72083, -155.07889
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating59 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.2 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
Trucks20%
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$275,000 (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 2024.

What condition is Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal carry?

About 9,600 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.2 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns Pauahi ST over Waiolama Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.