Drive Time
Punahou off-ramp work picks up speed
By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Transportation Writer
H-1 motorists can rejoice soon: Work to widen the H-1 Punahou Street off-ramp is scheduled for completion at the end of October.
Advertiser library photo • Jan. 26, 2000
State officials hope the $2.7 million project will alleviate the backlog of east-bound traffic along the H-1 Freeway. Punahou is the freeway's busiest off-ramp, with nearly 29,000 vehicles using it each day.
The Punahou Street off-ramp, left, looking 'Ewa, is being widened in an effort to alleviate freeway traffic delays.
When done, the off-ramp will include a new 300-foot approaching lane and a second right-turn lane exiting the off-ramp onto Punahou Street.
The widening project has slowed down traffic near the off-ramp for the last six months, with some motorists saying the delays have lasted between 15 to 30 minutes during weekday lunch hours.
State transportation officials shut down the Punahou Street off-ramp two weekends ago to complete paving work in three days instead of the three weeks it normally takes.
Department of Transportation spokeswoman Marilyn Kali said the remaining work for contractor Hawaiian Dredging includes the installation of a traffic signal and guard rails, as well as resurfacing of the parking lots of the adjacent Shriner's Hospital and Soto Mission.
More than 1,000 feet of concrete barrier and wall has been rebuilt alongside the added lanes.
New signs, lights, utilities, drainage and sidewalks have been added.
But until construction is pau, drivers are still advised to avoid the ramp between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The state suggests alternate routes to the area include King Street and Kapi'olani Boulevard, but they, too, are pretty busy.
H-2 lights update: You might have noticed, starting about a month ago, that the H-2 Freeway lights are consistently on at night, with the exception of four or five faulty lights being fixed.
After months of installation and testing, Kali said the lights are pretty much up and running. Contractor Hawaiian Dredging is still working on illuminating the freeway destination signs and are repairing the faulty lights.
The entire H-2 Freeway is now illuminated from the Waiawa Interchange to Wahiawa. (Thanks to reader Harvey Cohen of Kawela Bay for helping me keep tabs of the situation.)
Reach Scott Ishikawa at 525-8070 or sishikawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.
