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Impatient drivers prompt city to close 'Road Rage Lane'
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
State transportation officials have closed a short, newly opened stretch of Fort Weaver Road because of safety concerns.
Officials say the widened roadway at the intersection of Kolowaka Drive had been the scene of more than 20 accidents and near-misses in the less than six months the road was used.
A 1,500-foot stretch of Fort Weaver Road near the entrance to several housing projects had been widened at a developer's expense to provide better access into the booming area.
Motorists frustrated by the often backed-up traffic moving from 'Ewa toward H-1 Freeway, though, were using the turn-in and turn-out areas as an extra lane, passing on the right, then suddenly veering back into the two lanes of existing traffic, said Rep. Willie Espero, D-41st ('Ewa Beach).
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The state plans to widen the entire length of Fort Weaver Road to three lanes, but that work won't be complete for at least two more years. The little stretch of widened road was provided by Gentry Homes, the developer that has built thousands of houses along the old four-lane road in the past decade, contributing to the sense of frustration that drivers in the area often feel.
"A majority of the drivers are using the two lanes of existing traffic and waiting patiently for the relief that widening will provide,"
Espero said. "A few of them just couldn't wait."
In the meantime, city officials have completed a $650,000 project that synchronizes the traffic lights along Fort Weaver Road between Laulaunui and Hanakahi streets, but many residents haven't noticed a substantial difference in traffic flow, Espero said.
"We did a survey and found that about 60 percent of the people see some difference," he said. "The other 40 percent said they haven't noticed any improvement."
The synchronization has helped traffic flow more smoothly on Fort Weaver Road by keeping the traffic lights there green for a longer time, Espero said.
Unfortunately, that means drivers entering from the many side streets in the various housing areas along the way often have to wait longer to get on the main road.
"People are happy that things are finally changing," Espero said. "I just tell them to be patient a little longer and it will get even better."
Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.
