US Bridges

Kaapahu Road over Waikaalulu Gulch

FairPosted for load

Hawaii County, Hawaii · Tmk: 4-4-009:009 · Structure no. 001440001100006

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
1980 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Kaapahu Road over Waikaalulu Gulch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Kaapahu Road over Waikaalulu Gulch in Hawaii County, Hawaii. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 95 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2025. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKaapahu Road
CrossesWaikaalulu Gulch
LocationTmk: 4-4-009:009
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHawaii County
StateHawaii
Coordinates20.05019, -155.41986
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20.4 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (1980)
Projected traffic50 by 2025
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$100,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Kaapahu Road over Waikaalulu Gulch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is Kaapahu Road over Waikaalulu Gulch 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 Kaapahu Road over Waikaalulu Gulch carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (1980 count).

How long is Kaapahu Road over Waikaalulu Gulch?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Kaapahu Road over Waikaalulu Gulch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.