Get set for a weekend of work on city roads
By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Transportation Writer
If the back-to-school traffic wasn't enough this morning, the gridlock continues this weekend with various construction projects and events expected to draw crowds at the Blaisdell.
State transportation officials will shut down the H-1 Freeway Punahou Street off-ramp from 2 p.m. Saturday until 5 a.m. Monday for asphalt paving work. The Punahou Street exit is the H-1's busiest off-ramp.
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For updates on the city's downtown work, call 479-7952 or check the city's Web site under "city construction," at www.co.honolulu.hi.us
In addition, parking at Blaisdell Center may be sparse with the David Copperfield Tour, Warriors Quest and Street Car Show Off scheduled for Saturday. Patrons are advised to arrive early or seek alternate parking.
State transportation officials say the complete closure of the Punahou off-ramp for three days will save an estimated three weeks of daily paving work.
Alternate routes during the ramp closure include the Punchbowl Street, Kinau Street, Bingham Street and University Avenue off-ramps.
Beginning 7 a.m. Saturday, work crews will also shut down the two far left lanes of King Street from Punchbowl Street to Alapai Street, 24 hours a day until Sept. 5.
The lane closures are needed to pour concrete for city bus lanes, said consultant Rod Haraga, who oversees the downtown work for the city.
Concrete work in that area of King Street will run each day from 7 a.m. to midnight, but the 24-hour a day closure is needed to allow the concrete to cure.
Reach Scott Ishikawa at sishikawa@honoluluadver tiser.com or 525-8070.
