HONOLULU (KHON2) — State transportation officials are warning Oahu drivers to expect delays due to an uptick in road construction, especially along major corridors including the H-1 Freeway, Moanalua Freeway, and areas near the airport.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) reported 25 separate projects with lane closures along the H-1 Freeway alone during the week of May 10 to May 16. Additional work is also underway on the H-2 and Moanalua freeways.
“Probably one of our most impactful projects right now would be the H-1 Pearl City and Waimalu viaduct improvements,” said HDOT Communications Manager Shelly Kunishige. “That closes up to four lanes Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. and is likely to continue through March 2027.”
Other ongoing projects include:
- Airport Viaduct Improvements — Closing westbound lanes Tuesday through Monday, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., expected to finish by August 2025.
- Salt Lake Rehabilitation Project — Affects eastbound H-1 traffic on weekends and evenings, with completion anticipated in June.
- Moanalua Freeway Repaving — Between the H-3 and Fort Shafter overpass, targeted for completion by year’s end.
Despite the frustrations for drivers, HDOT said there is a reason so many projects are happening simultaneously.
“All of this work has federal monies attached, so we do need to expend them while we have that funding authorization,” Kunishige said. “We don’t like to cause traffic, but we’re trying to improve the roads and create long-lasting pavement so we don’t have to do this for another 10 or 15 years.”
Some drivers are feeling the strain.
“Kind of humbug,” said a Honolulu resident who asked to remain anonymous. “They got to get ’em together, you know. Space ’em out. Maybe take a break sometime, do one project at a time.”
An ʻAiea resident said she tries to plan ahead.
“I’m prepared, knowing that there’s going to be road closures. I just time my appointments accordingly,” she said.
DOT posts its weekly roadwork schedule every Friday. Officials recommend that drivers check for updates and plan routes before heading out.