The state Department of Transportation is seeking bids for the first phase of the new H-1 Freeway interchange that will connect with Wakea Street in the middle of downtown Kapolei.

The first phase of the project, estimated to cost $20 million, includes construction of an eastbound onramp and offramp near the Wakea and Kamokila Boulevard intersection, It is expected to improve traffic flow for Honolulu-bound motorists accessing the freeway from the middle of Kapolei town. Also slated for construction is a new westbound offramp near Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park.

In addition, a westbound onramp will be built at the existing Makakilo interchange, providing Wai'anae-bound access for motorists coming from Makakilo.

The project is expected to start early next year.

The second phase will provide additions to the new Kapolei interchange, including a concrete H-1 overpass, a westbound offramp from H-1 to Wakea, and a new westbound onramp onto Farrington Highway near the water park.

Subsequent phases will include construction of new onramps and offramps for the Palailai and Makakilo interchanges.

Kapolei Property Development contributed $8.5 million in land, design and construction while Hawaiian Telcom, Hawaiian Electric Co. and Oceanic Time Warner are contributing about $1 million for the construction.