Pali Highway drivers should expect lane closures through December as crews cut down dead or dying trees along the roadway, the state Department of Transportation said today.

About 165 trees will be cut down or pruned as part of the project.

The trees all have termite damage, are rotting or are in danger of falling on the highway.

Starting today, crews closed the right Kailua-bound lane on the Pali Highway weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Once they are done with that side of the highway, they will move to the other side, closing the right townbound lane during the same hours.

The tree cutting is one of the most extensive for Pali Highway in several years, said DOT spokeswoman Tammy Mori.

The DOT is working with The Outdoor Circle on the tree removal, and Mori said two native koa trees that have to be cut down will be replaced.