Utility work will require the closure of one lane of Likelike Highway starting Wednesday, according to Hawaiian Electric, as contractors replace power transmission equipment in Kaneohe.

From 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Aug. 2, the right lane of the highway, Kaneohe bound, will be closed for a quarter-mile after the juncture of the H-3 exit ramp.

HECO said the work will also require the use of a helicopter on Saturday and Sunday to transport equipment and personnel to a utility structure on a nearby mountain ridge, weather permitting.

During helicopter flyovers, all lanes of traffic on Likelike Highway will be intermittently halted for 5- to 10-minute periods in both directions on the mauka side of the H-3 overpass as well as the H-3 exit ramp to Likelike.

This is expected to occur up to four times per day.

Message boards and detour signs will alert drivers of the work, and special-duty police officers will be on-site to help manage traffic during work hours. Motorists should drive with caution.

Questions can be directed to 543-4004.