HONOLULU – The state Department of Transportation and contractor Kiewit Pacific Co. opened the H-1 Freeway North-South Road Interchange yesterday following a dedication ceremony by state, federal and county officials.

The $60 million interchange is the second of three phases of the highly anticipated North-South Road project to open to motorists. The interchange provides freeway on-and-off ramps to the northern-most segment of North-South Road, Phase 1C, which connects the H-1 Freeway to Farrington Highway. The construction costs were 80 percent federally funded with the remaining 20 percent paid by state highway funds.

“The new North-South Road was talked about for more than 20 years, until the start of construction in 2005 finally gave West O‘ahu residents a sign of hope that traffic congestion relief was coming,” said Gov. Linda Lingle, who provided keynote remarks at today’s dedication ceremony. “The North-South Road is a well thought-out strategic investment in the future of the growing Kapolei and ‘Ewa communities. The continuing construction of the final phase of the project will help keep our residents on the job and stimulate our economy.”

“As a resident of Kapolei, I can say with confidence that the completion of this interchange is a welcome sight for the residents of West O‘ahu,” said Lt. Gov. James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. “This project will allow our commuters to spend less time on the road and more time in their homes with their families.”

Construction of the new diamond interchange required the building of two 160-foot, single-span bridges, creating the necessary space for underpass lanes. More than 300,000 cubic yards (25,000 truckloads) of sediment material were removed during construction and more than 20,000 cubic yards of concrete and approximately 10,000 feet of drainage line were used to build the interchange.

Motorists are advised to use caution while familiarizing themselves with the new traffic patterns.

“The new interchange represents the end of many broken promises over many decades,” said Brennon Morioka, state DOT director. “It represents hope and progress and a continued commitment for the Kapolei/‘Ewa region to become a true second city, full of opportunities.”

The North-South Road project constructs a new four-lane highway connecting Kapolei Parkway, Farrington Highway and the H-1 Freeway in three construction phases at a total cost of $155 million.

Phase 1A of the project, completed in November 2007, constructed a 0.8-mile highway segment between Farrington Highway and Kapolei Parkway. Phase 1C, dedicated today, constructed the H-1 Freeway diamond interchange and the highway segment connecting to Farrington Highway.

Phase 1B construction is currently in progress and will connect the Phase 1A segment to Farrington Highway and Kapolei Parkway. The entire road is expected to open in early 2010.