Drive Time
Holidays delay bridge work until 2002
By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Transportation Writer
Refreshing news for Central O'ahu commuters: A state project to replace a Halawa bridge along Kamehameha Highway has been delayed until after the Christmas season.
The state Department of Transportation recently awarded a $7.2 million contract to Okada Trucking Co., Ltd. to replace the Honolulu-bound Halawa Stream Bridge on Kamehameha Highway. The contractor had scheduled to begin work in October, but decided to postpone the start date until January.
"We always have a road construction ban during the holidays, so it didn't make sense to start work now and halt it two months later," said Marilyn Kali, state transportation spokeswoman.
Along with removing and replacing a portion of the Halawa Stream Bridge, work includes moving utilities; landscaping; and installing new guardrails, traffic signals, pavement signing, striping and markings.
When bridge work does begin, in-bound traffic will be routed along a two-lane temporary bridge.
More roadwork: The state will close two lanes of Kalaniana'ole Highway between Wa'a Street and Wailupe Circle in the eastbound direction beginning this week from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for waterline installation work.
During the closure, traffic will be contraflowed and there will be no left turns on the makai side of Kalaniana'ole Highway. Motorists are advised to allow for extra travel time and to use caution while driving through the work area.
Out in 'Ewa, the state is also planning lane closures on Fort Weaver Road from Honouliuli Stream Bridge to Laulaunui Street through Friday for resurfacing work. Northbound closures will be implemented from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and southbound closures will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
During this time, one lane of Fort Weaver Road in the northbound direction will be closed from Old Fort Weaver Road to Laulaunui Street.
There will be a single lane closure today and tomorrow at the Old Fort Weaver Road intersections of 'A'awa Drive, Arizona Road and the right turn lane into Arizona Road.
On Thursday and Friday, one lane will be closed in the southbound direction from Laulaunui Street to Honouliuli Stream Bridge for resurfacing.
Reach Scott Ishikawa at sishikawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
