Kauai County has hired a consultant to develop design alternatives for improving three bridges in Kapaa and Wailua.

KAI Hawaii Inc., a structural engineering firm, is conducting geotechnical studies and surveying the land around the Kapahi, Opaekaa and Puuopae bridges.

The company began preliminary studies for the project Friday. The studies are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Data collected will be used for design alternatives to improve the bridges.

Community meetings to gather public input on the bridge improvements will be scheduled over the next few months.

People with questions about the project can call Mike Hunneman of KAI Hawaii at 791-3980.