STREETWISE

H-1 work in Aiea area
under budget, ahead
of schedule

By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

The widening of the H-1 freeway westbound and lengthening of Aiea Heights Drive overpass should be completed under budget and ahead of schedule, according to the Department of Transportation.

The overpass was lengthened to increase the number of Ewa-bound lanes below it from five to six to relieve H-1 traffic jams in the Aiea vicinity.

Rock-finish sound walls makai of H-1 will reduce freeway noise near Olopana Street, another community benefit.

"We think we can wrap it up by the end of May, beginning of June, somewhere in there," said Martin Okabe, Oahu district engineer, state highways division. He left open the likelihood that some small work may need to be completed at that time. "But pretty much the majority of the work will be done," he said.

The original completion date was in August, and officials said the $50.5 million package is also coming in under budget.

The work has meant some April weekend lane closings along H-1 Ewa-bound, and some drivers' tempers have been frayed.

But that's nothing new with long-term construction projects.

A little more than a year ago, there were reports irate drivers were ignoring traffic cones and endangering workers during an earlier phase of construction.

But unlike last year, when work lasted from Friday through Sunday and westbound traffic was snarled while lanes were closed, no significant problems with motorists have been reported recently.

"We want to thank the community for their cooperation and patience during the construction period," said Brian Yoshida, urban construction engineer.

"It definitely will help the afternoon traffic," Okabe said.

Overall construction plans actually called for about 16 phases of work, Okabe said.

"But the contractor was able to reduce the number of phases, which sped up the construction work," he said.

Roadwork Roadwork planned this week throughout Oahu: LEEWARD OAHU Kunia Kunia and Fort Weaver roads near the Kunia Interchange; Kupuna Loop to Honowai Street; and the H-1 freeway Ramps 5, 5-A and 5-B and other Kunia Interchange on-ramps. Ewa Beach Farrington Highway, Piliokoe Bridge to vicinity of Aliinui Drive. Maili Ehu, Hakeakea and Waapuhi streets. Waianae Kaukamana Street to St. John's Road; Kulaaupuni Street from Ohiohi Place to Kaukamana Street; and Farrington Highway at Maliona Street. Makaha Maiuu and Mahinaau roads. NORTH OAHU Haleiwa Haleiwa Bypass Road; and Helemano-Waialua Junction to Haleiwa Beach Park. CENTRAL OAHU Mililani Paiona, Hikianalia, Kauluikua, Keehuhiwa, Makaamoamoa, Waileia, Akia, Ialeleiaka, Lea, Mamolani, Uiwi and Naika places; Keaolani Street; Mililani Interchange. Waipahu Kahuamoku Place; Kipou Street from Hulahe to Honowai streets; Honowai Street from Kipou to Hoaeae streets; Hoaeae Street from Honowai Street to near the Hoaeae Pumping Station; and Farrington Highway from Leoole to Awanui streets, Awanui and Leoku to Paiwa streets, and Awanui Street to Waipio Point Access Road. Waiawa Waipahu Street to Waiawa Road; and Waiawa Interchange. Waimalu H-1, Waimalu Viaduct to Halawa Interchange. HONOLULU Salt Lake Salt Lake Boulevard from Luapele to Bougainville drives. Moanalua Moanalua Freeway ramps; vicinity of Ala Kapuna to vicinity of Ala Napunani; and South and North Frontage roads. Kalihi Likelike Highway from Valley View Drive to H-1; School Street from Jikoen Mission to Kapalama Elementary; Valley View Drive intersection; Gulick Avenue; and Makuahine and Kalihi streets. Liliha Liliha Street from North King Street to Vineyard Boulevard. Nuuanu Pali Highway from Country Club Road to the tunnel entrance, including both roads to the lookout; Dowsett Avenue to Pali Tunnel; Waokanaka Street to Nuuanu Pali Drive; Kaohinani Drive from Kimo to Pelekane drives; Kahawalu Drive between Kaohinani and Niolopua drives; and Kimo Drive Bridge and Old Pali Road. Kakaako Keawe Street on Ala Moana, South and Queen streets, and Nimitz Highway; and River Street to end at Hotel Street. Pauoa Star Road from Kanealii Avenue to end. Makiki Lewalani Drive from Clio Street to Wilder Avenue. Moiliili University Avenue and South King Street intersection. Manoa University Avenue between Maile Way and Coyne Street and at East Manoa Road. St. Louis Heights St. Louis Drive between Bertram and Oswald streets. Palolo Keanu Street between 8th Avenue and Sierra Drive; and 9th and 10th avenues between Keanu Street and Waialae Avenue. Waialae Kealaolu Avenue Road from Leahala to Waialae avenues. Waikiki Kalakaua Avenue; and Ohua to Kuhio avenues. WINDWARD OAHU Kailua Ilimano Street between Ilihau and Ililani streets. Waimanalo Flamingo and Ahiki streets. EAST OAHU None.