The public is invited to the blessing of the new Pohoiki bypass road near Isaac Hale Beach Park in Puna at noon today.

The county bypass road, which stretches three-quarters of a mile, will allow motorists to avoid the portion of coastal Highway 137 near the beach park that routinely floods during high tides.

William C. Loeffler Construction Inc. is the contractor for the $1.8 million project.

The ceremony featuring Mayor Billy Kenoi will be held at the newly renovated Isaac Hale Beach Park, 7 miles from Pahoa and 26 miles from Hilo. Dignitaries then will take the first official ride on the new bypass road.