Drivers in Hawai‘i can expect delays as the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced a full closure of the Wai‘alae on-ramp to the H-1 westbound. The closure will commence on Monday, May 5, and is expected to last until Friday, May 9, affecting the typical rush from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The reason behind this move is to repair the damaged concrete base of a light pole situated dangerously close to the freeway at the Wai‘alae on-ramp.
While the main on-ramp will be closed during these hours, it’s not a total traffic snarl for local drivers. Traffic can still trundle along Wai‘alae Avenue which remains open, diverting then to the 11th Avenue on-ramp. HDOT has planned the repairs in the daily window when, they hope the disruption will affect the least number of commuters.
In a statement released by HDOT, as outlined on their website, this essential work will include "demolition and replacement of the concrete base" and that executing these repairs at night isn’t feasible due to the noise it would generate, which would impact nearby residents. Moreover, this period may also be an opportunity for tree trimming and other necessary maintenance.
To help manage traffic, law enforcement officers will be on-site for control, and electronic message boards will guide drivers through key areas. For a full list of weekly lane closures on O‘ahu, HDOT recommends checking their website.
