Parts of Kapi'olani Boulevard will be narrowed to two lanes in each direction during the sewer and water line reconstruction project that begins in September.

Rush-hour contraflow will also be suspended, and drivers won't be allowed to turn left at certain intersections.

Businesses are dreading the project's impact to their sales but say they're happy roadwork will stop from just before Thanksgiving to after New Year's Day to accommodate holiday shoppers. The project is set to be completed in early 2009.

Yuka Inouye, co-owner of the Quiksilver Boardriders Club on Kapi'olani Boulevard, said she's worried about the project since she heard about it last year.

"All the businesses are going to be hurting," Inouye said.

The construction comes two years after crews shut down two lanes along Kapi'olani for months to repair portions of an aging sewer line. Merchants along the roadway reported losing up to 30 percent of their business during the construction.

Now, some say they fear the upcoming work will be even worse because it's for a longer time and affects side streets. "My stomach is churning," Inouye said.

The project will run along Kapi'olani from Ward to Kalakaua avenues. Construction also will occur on Kalakaua Avenue, Kamake'e Street and Atkinson Drive.

Work is allowed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On some nights, as many as four lanes along Kapi'olani Boulevard may be closed.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.