News Release

For Immediate Release
January 23, 2017

BWS Continues Complicated Main Repair on Kalanianaole Hwy

Also continues ongoing work with other agencies to minimize area traffic tie-ups

Board of Water Supply (BWS) crews continue to work round-the-clock to repair a 24-inch transmission main on Kalanianaole Hwy., which broke early Saturday morning, resulting in major traffic gridlock for motorists heading eastbound from the H-1 Freeway and other roads in the area.

Their work is complicated by the depth at which the pipe was installed – approximately 20 feet deep. To access and repair the damaged section of main, the BWS has excavated a massive trench that is about 40 feet long by about 15 feet wide. As a result, the BWS has determined that its repair work could possibly extend to Thursday, January 26, barring any more unforeseen complications.

To minimize the traffic impact on the community, the BWS modified its original work plan so that at least one lane was kept open during the repair. Today, a second, non-traditional lane was added to allow for eastbound traffic from the H-1 onto Kalanianaole Highway and through the Ainakoa St. intersection. Motorists are urged to slow down in the area and drive with extreme caution through the coned area.

While motorists’ morning commute should be minimally affected by BWS’s work, the BWS continues to coordinate with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), and the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) to improve pau hana traffic flow through these ways:

• HDOT, DTS and BWS together instituted a traffic mitigation plan for the peak afternoon commute hours to allow vehicles traveling eastbound on the H-1 Freeway additional green light access to pass the worksite and through the Ainakoa Street intersection in order to reach all lanes of Kalanianaole Highway.
• HDOT has placed message boards to alert motorists to lane closures and road work.
• HDOT is suspending road construction projects on major arteries in East Honolulu and Waimanalo until further notice.
• DTS will monitor traffic lights and make adjustments as needed.
• HPD is providing additional officers to direct traffic during afternoon rush hour.

Even with these measures in place, the BWS continues to urge motorists and residents of East Honolulu affected by the traffic gridlock to anticipate delays, plan their commutes accordingly, avoid the area if possible, and limit any unnecessary travel into and out of the area.

For more information, people can:

• Call the BWS Trouble Line at 748-5000.
• Check the BWS’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BWSHonolulu or the BWS website at www.boardofwatersupply.com for the most recent updates.
• Go to www.GoAkamai.org, an online travel tool featuring the most comprehensive information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the HDOT and DTS about current traffic conditions, including a map showing traffic hot spots and traffic cameras.
• Sign up at www.nixle.com to receive free text and email alerts about water emergencies.  




The BWS apologizes to the community for the traffic gridlock and inconveniences caused by the repair work and thanks area motorists and residents for their continued understanding and cooperation as its crews work as quickly as possible to restore water service and the roadway.

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Contact:

Tracy Burgo
Information Specialist
Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Phone: (808) 748-5313