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STREETWISE

City promises traffic
relief to Kailua residents

Star-Bulletin Staff

There should be some relief for residents of Lanikai and other neighborhoods affected by traffic delays caused by the Kalaheo Avenue sewer reconstruction.

The city is requiring the project contractor to hire people to direct traffic for a better mauka-bound flow on Kailua Road, above Kalaheo Avenue, from 5:30 to 8 a.m. weekdays, beginning Monday.

During other hours, Kailua Road will remain open only to makai-bound traffic mauka of Kailua Beach Center.

The city believes these temporary measures will reduce the traffic backup that began last month at Kalaheo and Kuulei Road after traffic controls were adjusted to address safety concerns in the Kuulei tract area.

Adjusting the timing of traffic lights at the Kalaheo-Kuulei intersection also has eased backups, the city said.

Gary Yee, director of the city Department of Design and Construction, said his department is working with the Department of Transportation Services to ease the impact on the public and balance the interests of various communities affected by the sewer project.

Call the project hot line, 254-3728, with concerns.

An informational open house is held the second Tuesday of each month at Kalama Beach Park.

"We realize this project inconveniences many people," Yee said. "But it has to be done. Over the next three years, traffic controls will be required all along Kalaheo Avenue.

"We hope everyone will be patient and consider the needs of their neighbors as well as their own. Safety must be our first priority."

Kailua Road may be reopened to unrestricted two-way traffic in about three months, the city said.