DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Maka Naauao, left, and Junior Taaga worked to close off the Wilson Tunnels' Kaneohe-bound lane yesterday, the first day of a monthlong project that will close and contraflow traffic on the Likelike Highway.

Likelike Highway closure
begins smoothly

There was some inconvenience and confusion, but closing one of the two Wilson Tunnels on the Likelike Highway appeared to go relatively smoothly yesterday, the first day of the monthlong project.

The contractor on the $13.8 million project began tearing up the roadway in the Kaneohe-bound tunnel so the road can be resurfaced for the first time since 1979. The tunnel closures will continue until Aug. 5.

To help commuters while getting the project done safely, the state is contraflowing both Honolulu-bound lanes from 1 to 8 p.m. The Honolulu-bound tunnel is open during the morning from 4 a.m. until noon, but closed at night and on weekends.

Motorists apparently adjusted to the new contraflowed traffic pattern or just took alternate routes on the H-3 or Pali Highway to get to the Windward side.

Pali Highway traffic backed up from the Kamehameha Highway intersection nearly to the tunnel at about 5 p.m. yesterday, but no major problems were reported.

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KSSK radio traffic reporter Jason Yotsuda said the radio station did not receive any complaints, and he didn't see anything unusual during the morning and afternoon commutes.

"When I went, there was no traffic, so it was OK," said commuter Ben Kam.

Added Don Mair, "I went to town at about 11:15 a.m. this morning. It was a peaceful drive, very few cars."

Despite signs on the freeway and numerous news stories about the project, some drivers weren't aware of the tunnel closure. Other drivers said the schedule of tunnel closures is confusing.

But many felt there was nothing they could do about the closure. "I have no choice," said Windward resident Peter Chen.

State Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa said the project is "something we have to do."

"We really have to replace that concrete floor to make it safe for drivers," said Ishikawa, who spent the day observing traffic on the Honolulu side of the tunnel.

Except for some minor adjustments like covering up the 35 mph speed-limit sign before the tunnel (the limit is 15 mph in the construction zone), Ishikawa said the first day went smoothly. He said the state will continue monitoring the situation and make more adjustments if needed.

"We can't please everybody, but we're trying to accommodate most of them," Ishikawa said.

When the Kaneohe-bound tunnel is completed, motorists will have 30 days to use both tunnels again.

Then, on Sept. 6, the other tunnel will be closed for 30 days when work starts on the Honolulu-bound tunnel.