Repairing Oahu’s state highways is a group effort

I’d like to share with you the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s mission to improve Oahu’s aging critical infrastructure.

As part of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s "New Day in Hawaii" initiatives, our highways division is dedicated to improving more of Oahu’s major state corridors than ever before.

As motorists know, there is much work that needs to be done. Efficiently repairing and maintaining the state’s highway system is a high priority for this administration.

There are many projects scheduled for the next two years and beyond designed to address deteriorating conditions on major freeways and highways.

While this is ultimately good news that will improve the quality of life for all residents and visitors, it will require patience as the work we do requires lane closures.

As Hawaii residents know, living in an already congested island state, there is never a good time to do roadwork. Some of the major projects underway or soon to be underway include the afternoon or "p.m. contraflow" and Pearl City viaduct deck repairs.

A major rehabilitation project is anticipated to begin in a couple of months on the H-1 Freeway through one of the oldest and most congested sections of the freeway, between Middle Street and the vicinity of Ward Avenue.

Although this yearlong project will be done primarily at night, it will include lane closures and full closures of sections of the freeway. There will be traffic congestion and we ask for the public’s patience.

Projects to resurface Vineyard Boulevard, Kalanianaole Highway on the east side, Kamehameha Highway near Mililani and portions of the Pali Highway are all in the design phase and scheduled to go out to bid either late this year or early next year. We are working to coordinate with our stakeholders and get the word out about the upcoming construction.

As these projects get underway, we will be reaching out to the public through a media campaign and we encourage the public to check our website at hidot.hawaii.gov and click on roadwork to get the latest updates on lane closures.

Our GoAkamai website offers real-time congestion data, and live traffic cameras at goakamai.org, and we encourage drivers to remember that our Freeway Service Patrol is a free service available for stranded motorists on much of the H-1 Freeway and H-2 Freeway to Ka Uka Boulevard; that number is 841-HELP.

By working together, much can be accomplished to improve our highway infrastructure.