Question: Although I appreciate the Pali Highway being open during rush-hour times, the Pali is closed during daytime (non-rush) hours, and Windward-bound traffic funnels into Likelike Highway, making for busy traffic. Daily there are sections of roadwork turning two lanes into one with traffic backed up ad infinitum (Wednesday’s tally: three). This Sunday the Likelike will be closed, which must mean Windward residents will have to circle to H-3 or go through the Waimanalo side? Does the state Department of Transportation have any foresight and long-range plan before they waste time and gas for those of us who don’t live in Manoa?
Answer: Good news: Your assumption about Sunday’s traffic flow is mistaken. The Pali Highway is scheduled to be open, one direction at a time, while the Likelike Highway is closed Sunday.
The Likelike will be closed in both directions from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday for emergency work to remove a damaged utility pole and other equipment. Kaneohe-bound lanes will close mauka of Valley View Drive in Kalihi, while Honolulu-bound lanes will shut down mauka of the H-3 Freeway on-ramp.
The Pali Highway will open temporarily that day, the DOT said. The Honolulu-direction contraflow, using the Kailua-bound lanes, will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. The Kailua and Kaneohe-bound lanes will be open from 12:15 to 4 p.m.
As you noted, the H-3 Freeway and Kalanianaole Highway also will be alternatives.
As for your broader question, since the multiple landslides that closed the Pali Highway unexpectedly in late February, the DOT has adjusted the timing of some roadwork to avoid exacerbating traffic, especially to and from Windward Oahu, while also striving to keep up with vital projects around the island. You can read the updates about roadwork over these past few months on the department’s website, hidot. hawaii.gov.
In the case of the Pali, for example, DOT crews are working “virtually around the clock” to repave the Honolulu-bound lanes while the highway is closed for emergency work caused by the landslides, DOT spokesman Tim Sakahara said Wednesday. Both the emergency repairs and the Honolulu-bound repaving are on track to wrap up by August, weather permitting, he said.
“The repaving is getting done more quickly than it would have” had the Pali been open, he said. “We are trying to maximize” time. Around the island “roadwork improvements must continue even while the Pali is closed. We appreciate the public’s patience. We understand that traffic can be frustrating, but it’s important to point out that this was caused by a natural disaster.”
While the Pali Highway initially was closed 24/7 after the landslides, the DOT moved swiftly to open morning and afternoon contraflow lanes Mondays through Fridays, so people could get to and from work and school.
Before the Auwes start rolling, we’ll add that Hawaiian Electric Co. said Sunday’s full closure of the Likelike is unavoidable for safety reasons. Crews will be working on a steep ridge near Wilson Tunnel that is accessible only by helicopter, to remove the leaning utility pole. They’ll also replace two other poles and remove a section of electrical conductors that cross the highway.
Mahalo
A big mahalo to Nolan, who graciously helped two elderly seniors at Pearlridge Center on April 5. My purchase was too heavy for me to carry. He went out of his way to take it to our car. Mahalo to his dad, also a senior, for instilling this fine quality in his son. He patiently waited for Nolan to complete his good Samaritan act. You will be doubly blessed in all that you do. — Thank you, Janet
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