HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii’s largest infrastructure project is taking another big step, as the project broke ground on the next phase of the Skyline rail project.
Phase 3 of the $1.4 billion project will add six new stations and about three miles of elevated guideway from Middle Street to Civic Center.
The site was blessed on Monday, Aug. 11, at the future site of the Civic Center Station in Kakaako.
Breaking ground on the third segment of Skyline is not just about building the infrastructure to bring the rail system into the Downtown area, it’s about laying the foundation for the future of this island and developing sustainable transportation alternatives to serve neighboring communities.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi
According to Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation officials, the initial phase will include drilling shafts for the columns, starting in the Iwilei area.
Crews will work Monday through Friday, and in some cases, Saturdays, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Officials said construction for the third phase will require road closures in the Kalihi, Iwilei, Downtown, Chinatown and Kakaako area.
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“We’ve got to this point through cooperation and perseverance, and we will use that same approach to overcome the challenges that lay ahead to deliver this project within budget and on schedule, for the taxpayers of Honolulu,” HART Executive Director and CEO Lori Kahikina said.
The Skyline’s second phase is nearing completion. The full extension is expected to be open by 2030.