Lava from Mauna Loa slowed its advance toward the Daniel K. Inouye Highway on Thursday as it reached flatter ground, but officials were still bracing for lava to cross the key thoroughfare.
They say it could take about a week for lava to reach the highway ? now about 3 miles away.
The highway, also known as Saddle Road, connects Hilo and Kona and there is significant concern about what its closure would mean for commuters and the transport of goods and services. The alternate route is much longer.
Ken Hon, scientist-in-charge at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, said Thursday night that the flow had slowed to about 30 yards per hour.