KAHULUI – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) Highways Division opened the latest phase of the Honoapiilani Highway Realignment, Phase 1B-2 (also known as the Lahaina Bypass) Monday, April 23, 2018 at 6:35 a.m. HDOT crews drove the road in the 8, 10 and 11 o’clock hours and will continue to monitor traffic conditions over the next three weeks. Average travel times from the southern terminus to Keawe Street were 12-14 minutes in the northbound direction and 8-9 minutes in the southbound direction (on the bypass).
Construction delays are currently being experienced at the southern terminus due to utility work. This utility work is estimated to be completed in a week and a half. Another observed delay is motorists getting used to the new traffic patterns. Southbound motorists on lower Honoapiilani Highway are reminded that they can access the bypass at Hokiokio Place and Kai Hele Ku Street. If they remain on lower Honoapiilani Highway they will be routed to the Bypass from Kai Hele Ku Street to continue the drive towards Maalaea. The Southern Connector Road will be another option when it opens in mid-May.
Northbound motorists exiting the Bypass at Keawe Street are reminded that the turn from Keawe Street onto Honoapiilani Highway is now a free right turn, meaning they can turn right at any time, except when pedestrians are present, to continue the drive towards Kaanapali.
Traffic is generally flowing well through the traffic signals on both the Bypass and Honoapiilani Highway. HDOT believes conditions will continue to improve when utility work is completed and motorists get used to the adjusted traffic patterns. HDOT is also working on upgrading the traffic signal systems on Maui and is anticipating the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to be installed on the 80 Maui traffic signals by the end of the year.
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