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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 2:25 p.m., Thursday, December 11, 2008

Oahu drivers urged to stay off roads

The director of the state Department of Transportation wants drivers to stay off O'ahu roads this morning.

"If they don't have to be be on the roads, please stay at home or stay at work until this clears up," said Brennon Morioka, state Department of Transportation director. "The less motorists on the road, the safer it'll be and the easier it will be for our guys and the city guys to do our jobs."

A large tree fell on Kaipapau Bridge in Hau'ula this morning, forcing the closure of Kamehameha Highway.

Engineers will inspect the bridge for damage but for now the bridge is "completely closed," Morioka said. "You cannot pass that location. People north of the bridge need to go back toward Hale'iwa. If you're south of the bridge, try and work your way through the Kane'ohe area."

State road crews also were busy pumping flooded water from the H-1 Freeway at the north/south interchange and from the H-1/H-2 merge.

Other road closures include:

  • The Karsten Thot Bridge in both directions due to a mudslide.

  • Kamehameha Highway between Waiahole and Waikane in both directions due to flooding.

  • Kamehameha Highway near Kualoa Point.

  • Kunia Road in both directions.

    Transportation officials are also urging caution in the following areas:

  • Flooding on the H-1 Freeway in the west-bound lanes, near the Waipahu off-ramp.

  • Heavy ponding along Kaukonahua Road and Farrington Highway in Waialua, before Goodale Avenue.

    Newly reopened roads include:

  • Kamehameha Highway at Kipapa Bridge.

  • H-2 Freeway southbound on-ramp.

  • Kamehameha Highway at Kamananui and Wilikina Drive.

  • Farrington Highway near Kahi Mohala.

  • Farrington Highway near Makua Cave.