Department of Transportation

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) advises Oahu motorists that the H-3 Freeway will be closed in the Kaneohe-bound direction from the Halawa Interchange to the Likelike Highway Underpass on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 and Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., for electrical maintenance.

Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc (HECO) will be replacing overhead conductor lines across the entire H-3 Freeway to provide the public with upgraded transmission utilities. Powerlines on the H-3 Freeway are considered part of the “backbone” of the electric grid on Oahu and help transmit power across the island. These upgrades will improve reliability of the electric system for the entire island and minimize future maintenance costs. A full closure will be necessary to ensure the safety of motorists while crews complete the installations.

Corresponding with HECO’s roadwork, HDOT will be replacing a damaged steel expansion joint near the runaway truck ramp on the Halawa side of the H-3 Freeway. There will be an alternating lane closure on the H-3 Freeway in the Honolulu-bound direction between the Halekou Interchange and the Halawa Interchange on Thursday night, Sept. 15, 2016 through Friday morning, Sept. 16, 2016 from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., for preparation work. A complete closure of the Honolulu-bound lanes is scheduled from 9 p.m. on Friday night, Sept. 16, 2016 through 4 a.m. on Monday morning, Sept. 19, 2016 to remove the damaged section and install the new steel expansion joint.

HDOT and HECO have been collaborating to minimize the impact on the public by scheduling the roadwork for one weekend only. ILH Football games will be taking place on Saturday night, Sept. 17, 2016 at the Aloha Stadium. Attendees should plan ahead and allow for extra travel time as these closures will affect commuters using the H-3 Freeway.

HDOT advises motorists to use the Likelike Highway or the Pali Highway as alternate routes.

Electronic message boards have been posted throughout the H-3 Freeway to notify motorists of the closures. Special Duty Police Officers will be on site during closure hours to assist with traffic control. Emergency vehicles, first responders and The Bus have been notified of the roadwork and will reroute their course as no vehicles will be allowed through. Roadwork is weather permitting.

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