The Ewa gate of Ala Moana Regional Park was reopened about 4 p.m. today, a few days earlier than originally anticipated.

A problematic sinkhole opened up on Ala Moana Park Drive just makai of the Ewa entrance, across Kamakee Street, on July 19, forcing park-going motorists to use only the Diamond Head gate across Atkinson Drive.

City officials initially estimated repairs would not be done until the beginning of August and, despite delays caused by Tropical Storm Darby as well as fluctuating tidal conditions, contractor Site Engineering was able to finish ahead of schedule.

The opening comes just in time for dragon boat races taking place in the waters off Ala Moana this weekend.

To help ease the traffic caused by the Ewa gate shutdown, the Department of Transportation Services extended the traffic light at the Diamond Head gate from 20 seconds to 60 seconds. The city will maintain that interval until further notice.