Tunnel brighter, groovy with new safety features
By Loren Moreno
Jeff Widener | The Honolulu Advertiser
The other improvement — built-in traction roads — will show up when it rains. The renovation also includes a new drainage system that's part of a $13.8 million facelift for the Likelike Highway tunnel.
The Kane'ohe-bound tunnel was reopened last night at 9:30, a day ahead of schedule, after a state inspector OK'd the finished product, said Scott Ishikawa, Department of Transportation spokesman.
Construction started a month ago and forced the closure of two lanes of the highway. Drivers will get a brief reprieve before having to alter their traffic routes again on Sept. 6, when the town-bound tunnel will get the same facelift to complete the project.
Morning traffic will be contraflowed through the Kane'ohe-bound tunnel. Kane'ohe-bound drivers will have to use the Pali Highway or H-3 freeway.
Until then, motorists will notice a stark contrast between the two sides of the tunnel.
The town-bound side remains dark and deteriorating; the Kane'ohe-bound side is well-lit with a better drainage system and traction.
"Overall, the tunnel is going to be much safer," Ishikawa said.
Ishikawa said construction was slowed because two-thirds of the construction days were impeded by rain. The repairs, however, were needed because of the tunnel's heavy use. According to the Department of Transportation, more than 11 million vehicles pass through the tunnel each year. The heavy traffic over the past 50 years made the road a slick surface for drivers. The walls also had to be renovated because of the accumulation of road grime, exhaust and water stains.
"The new tiles are easier to clean and it also makes it easier to see," said Ishikawa, adding that the walls, with 1 million 4-inch white and green tiles, are now similar to that of the H-3 tunnels — designed for keeping driver's eyes off the walls and on the road.
The biggest improvement will be noticed when it rains. Ishikawa said a multi-car accident last year in the tunnel re-emphasized the need to improve the road's traction. The road in the Kane'ohe-bound tunnel is now grooved every half-inch with horizontal lines to give tires better traction on the downhill slope.
Crews also repaired cracks and leaks in the tunnel where water seeped in, damaging the walls and making the roads slippery.
"The reason they wanted to (renovate) the Likelike was it's right under an aquifer, and the water was just leaking big time through the ceiling," Ishikawa said, adding that a new drainage system above the tunnel ceiling will keep water off the roadway.
Advertiser Staff Writer
The first thing Kane'ohe-bound motorists may notice when they pass through the revamped Wilson Tunnel, which was opened last night, is the improved lighting and green-tiled walls.
Tin Lung Chao, left, chief inspector of the tunnel project, and state engineer Terrence Tadaki look over the Kane'ohe-bound Wilson Tunnel, which will reopen tonight. The town-bound lane will be closed during the second part of the project beginning Sept. 6.
