HILO, Hawaii — Construction is scheduled to begin this month on the Pohoiki Road Bypass near Isaac Hale Beach Park on the Big Island.

The bypass will allow motorists to avoid the existing coastal Highway 137, near the beach park, which is inundated during high tides. The cost for the roadwork is estimated at $1.8 million. Construction is scheduled to begin the week of March 24 and be completed this fall.

Also scheduled are improvements to the sight distance on Ainaloa Drive at Puhala and Silver Oak drives. Cost of the project is estimated at $1.5 million.

Still under design with no scheduled construction date are drainage improvements in several locations to Moho Road, also known as Road 8, in the Hawaiian Acres subdivision. Estimated cost is $2 million.

Already completed is the realignment of Highway 137, also known as "Red Road," between mileposts 14 and 15. This stretch of roadway was moved inland, providing a safer route and eliminating the danger of the road collapsing due to high surf.

For the 24-hour Road Construction Hotline, call 334-9559.