Oahu motorists who use the H-1 freeway in town at night will have to seek alternate routes in the coming weeks.

Starting Thursday night, the state’s most heavily used freeway will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday nights through Friday mornings in both directions from Likelike Highway to the area around Ward Avenue as crews work to complete the H-1 rehabilitation proj­ect.

Once they start, the freeway closures in town will last until June 26, weather permitting, state transportation officials say.

Crews contracted by the state Department of Transportation are aiming to complete the $42 million proj­ect in July, about two months ahead of schedule.

They’ve been digging about 14 inches deep into stretches of the freeway in both directions, rebuilding the roadway with what they describe as a "high performing" asphalt mix expected to last 10 to 15 years.

For updates and alternate routes, drivers are encouraged to visit www.H1­rehab.com.