Hang on Kapi‘olani commuters — the first phase of roadwork that began more than a year ago is on track to be finished this summer, but a second phase of the project won't be far behind.
This is a Rehabilitation of Streets project that is being completed in two phases. The first is Unit 89A, which spans Kapi‘olani Boulevard from Harding Avenue to Atkinson Drive.
Work on that portion of the project began Oct. 2, 2023, and is expected to be finished this summer, Haku Milles, director of the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Design and Construction, said in an email to Aloha State Daily. He noted that paving work on Kapi‘olani Boulevard is currently ongoing between University Avenue and Atkinson Drive.
A previous announcement from the department says that work is expected to take place between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Morning and afternoon contraflow coning on this stretch of road will be suspended while work is underway, the city said previously, but is expected to resume after the project is completed.
Milles said the overall project scope includes cold planing; resurfacing and reconstructing existing asphalt concrete pavement; reconstructing existing concrete curbs and/or gutters; adjusting utility manhole and handhole frames and covers; installing pavement markings; and replacing of vehicle loop detectors. Paving operations are happening now and permanent striping will follow.
According to Milles, the construction cost of this phase is nearly $10.66 million.
He says the project was delayed due to the discovery of rail tracks at the McCully Street intersection, but the state Historic Preservation Division was contacted and a preservation plan was implemented.
The second phase of the road work, Unit 89B, will span Kapi‘olani from from Atkinson Drive to Ward Avenue, but that work has not yet started.
Milles said the construction contract is currently being executed with the contractor. Construction cost for this phase is approximately $10.88 million.
Because the paperwork is being finalized, the department was unable to provide an estimated start date of the second phase.
Work planned in the second phase is similar to the first phase, but also includes tree and root trimming and canopy pruning as necessary, Milles said.
"Street rehabilitation projects are essential for preserving and extending the lifespan of existing roads by addressing damage from wear and tear, weather, and traffic," Milles told ASD. "It also enhances safety for drivers by ensuring smoother and more durable road conditions."
Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
