Starting today, the state Department of Transportation is closing a single lane on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, between mile posts 10 and 19 to mill the highway and install open-graded friction course to increase the pavement drainage capability and reduce the potential for hydroplaning.

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This work — which was announced Friday in response to a traffic emergency declaration — begins at 7 a.m. today at milepost 16 and will continue Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During the paving, traffic in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control, or contraflow, in the remaining open lane. The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph and a pilot car may be used to ensure the safety of the workers.

Crews will work toward Kona, then switch to the Hilo-bound lanes once they reach milepost 19.

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When the crews switch to the Hilo-bound side, an assessment of the driving behavior at the construction zone will be made to see if contraflow is still necessary for safety.

Once the paving is complete between mileposts 16 and 19, crews will sequence to the highway between mileposts 16 and 10. The paving is expected to be complete in about 30 days, weather permitting.

Future closures will be added to the weekly lane closure listing at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork.

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