Transport of transformer from Kapolei to Palolo will cause traffic delays
Traffic delays are expected from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday for the transport of an 80-ton transformer from Kapolei to Palolo Valley to replace an existing one, Hawaiian Electric Company officials said.
The transformer is a heavy, over-sized load, requiring the transport vehicle to travel 10 to 15 miles per hour on roadways and 5 miles per hour on bridges. It will follow a route that avoids low overpasses and areas where weight limits restrict travel. On certain bridges, the transport vehicle will need to travel either in the lane that has the best support, or in the middle of the roadway, straddling two lanes of traffic.
The transformer delivery, weather permitting, will start at Hawaiian Electric’s Ewa Nui Substation on Farrington Highway. The route travels through the Ewa area on Kualakai Parkway, Kapolei Parkway, Geiger Road and Fort Weaver Road, and rejoins Farrington Highway heading eastbound. On Farrington Highway heading east, the transport vehicle will cross over the Waikele Stream; however, it will need to use the westbound bridge.
From Farrington Highway the route joins Kamehameha Highway heading to Radford Drive, Bougainville Drive and Valkenburgh Street, where it meets Nimitz Highway and continues town bound.
At Waiakamilo Road, the route turns mauka to Vineyard Boulevard and heads east. At Bishop Street, the route cuts through downtown where it takes South King Street to Isenberg Street, Kapiolani Boulevard and Waialae Avenue. At Palolo Avenue, the route heads deep into the valley and ends at the Pukele Substation on Myrtle Street.
Expect the following traffic stops:
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>> About 9:30 a.m., between Waikele Road and Waipahu Depot Street, traffic heading west on Farrington Highway will be stopped to allow the transport vehicle to cross over the stream using the stronger bridge.
>> Between 10:30 and 11 a.m., the transport vehicle is expected to arrive at Pukele Substation, traveling along Palolo Valley’s narrow Carlos Long and Myrtle streets. Parking on those streets will be restricted, and traffic will be stopped as the transport passes.
The Honolulu Police Department will escort the transformer and direct traffic.
