Traffic on Nimitz Highway and Iwilei Road in Honolulu is expected to become more congested. Beginning tomorrow, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) announced a long-term lane closure on these roads that will continue until September 2030. Spectrum Local News reports that one lane in both eastbound and westbound directions on Nimitz Highway, between Awa Street and Bishop Street, will be closed around the clock as part of the elevated rail guideway and station construction.
The lane closures are part of the City Center Guideway and Stations project. In a statement to KHON2, HART advised motorists to follow all marked detour signs while driving through the area, with detours established at intersections such as Awa Street, Smith Street, Nuuanu Avenue, Bethel Street, and Fort Street. Additional closures may occur at the intersections of Awa Street and Iwilei Road between Kuwili Street and North King Street, as well as the westbound ramp from Nimitz Highway onto Iwilei Road.
Businesses and residents along the impacted routes have been assured that access to their properties will remain available throughout the construction period. However, heavy equipment and noise are expected, with weekday work primarily taking place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Additionally, HART has indicated that overnight work may occur from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. if necessary.
Residents should also expect increased noise from activities like vibratory sheet piling and impact pile driving, which are likely to occur throughout weekday mornings and evenings, with possible overnight disturbances. For more information on the construction and its impact on local traffic, commuters can visit the Honolulu Transit website.
