Motorists driving through Kalihi and Iwilei can expect traffic delays through Thursday as Board of Water Supply crews repair a 16-inch water main that broke on Nimitz Highway Tuesday night.
Crews have reopened two right westbound lanes of North Nimitz Highway between Pacific Street and Alakawa Street. The far eastbound lane of Nimitz Highway between those same two streets continues to be contraflowed.
The Board of Water Supply warns motorists to expect delays and to avoid the area, if possible.
"We expect traffic to be very heavy because of the entire situation," state Department of Transportation spokesman Dan Meisenzahl said.
Ewa-bound traffic is backed up to Ward Avenue. The city is asking residents to delay travel if possible to avoid peak hours of traffic.
Water service was restored to five of six businesses in the area, the Board of Water Supply said. The water main that broke was installed in 1942.
The break, reported at about 11:30 p.m., initially closed Nimitz Highway in both directions and Alakawa Street until about 1:50 a.m. It also prevented the state Department of Transportation this morning from setting up the town-bound Nimitz contra-flow lane, which ends near Alakawa Street.