H-1 lane closure called off as work is completed early

The state Department of Transportation has adjusted its lane closure schedule to reduce traffic backups on the H-1 freeway this weekend.

The scheduled westbound H-1 right-lane closure from the Houghtailing Street offramp (Exit 20B) to the Gulick Overpass will be canceled for Sunday, according to department spokeswoman Caroline Sluyter.

Work was anticipated to be completed by 9 p.m. Saturday.

For Sunday, crews will be working in this area only in the shoulder lane. This closure was originally scheduled to run until 5 a.m. Monday.

All other previously scheduled ramp closures will remain the same, including the Kalihi Street offramp (Exit 20A), Kalihi Street onramp, Liliha Street onramp and Pali Highway offramp (Exit 21A) until 8 a.m. Sunday.

Ramp closures will occur at the Kalihi Street (Likelike Highway) on- and offramps, along with lane closures on the Kalihi Street overpass, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. During these hours, the H-1 eastbound Liliha Street onramp and the Pali Highway offramp (Exit 21A) will also be closed.

Full westbound closures and partial eastbound closures will resume from the vicinity of Middle Street to Ward Avenue Sunday through Friday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly.

Beginning 9 a.m. Monday, the H-1 westbound onramp from Kalihi Street (Likelike Highway) will be closed daily through July 25, except during morning rush hours from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays. If work is completed sooner, the lane closures will be reduced.

Motorists who want to access the H-1 or Moanalua freeways westbound are advised to use North School Street to the next available onramps on Middle Street.

This part of the H-1 Freeway Rehab Project is one of the oldest sections of the freeway through the Hono­lulu corridor that averages up to 200,000 vehicles a day.

Officials say the construction work will provide a durable and smooth surface, upgraded lighting and drainage, median glare screens and increased traffic capacity with the addition of a fourth lane in each direction through widening and restriping. The department is aiming to complete the project by July 31.

On Monday, meanwhile, the makai lane of traffic on Kalanianaole Highway at Kawaikui Beach Park near Hawaii Kai will be closed intermittently while a contactor prunes a kiawe tree. Two other trees will be removed by Wednesday, the city says.