The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced a series of full closures on key Oahu roadways in February to allow for the installation and upgrade of destination signs. The work will include updated directional markings and revised Hawaiian spelling for certain destinations.
On Wednesday, February 11, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., the eastbound H-201 Moanalua Freeway will be closed between the Ala Napunani Street overpass and the Puʻuloa Road overpass. This closure is required for crews to install a new sign structure and destination signs along the Airport/Tripler Hospital off-ramp (Exit 3). During this time, Exit 3 will also be closed. Motorists traveling eastbound will be detoured via Red Hill/Moanalua Valley off-ramp (Exit 2), continuing on Moanalua Road to Ala Napunani Street and Salt Lake Boulevard before rejoining Puʻuloa Road.
A separate closure is scheduled for Wednesday, February 17, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., affecting the eastbound H-1 Freeway at the Vineyard off-ramp (Exit 20B). This closure is intended for installing new destination signs above the ramp. Drivers will be directed to stay on the eastbound H-1 Freeway and use the Pali Highway off-ramp (Exit 21A) to access Vineyard Boulevard.
Work on upgrading signs along Nimitz Highway near Joint Base Pearl Harbor/Hickam (JBPHH), previously postponed due to weather, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 25, from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. This work will require full closures of eastbound lanes on Nimitz Highway as well as associated ramps, including those for H-1 Freeway, Kamehameha Highway, and O’Malley Boulevard. Access to JBPHH during these hours will remain available through Makalapa and Kuntz Gates.
Installation of upgraded signs on the westbound Airport Viaduct was also delayed because of weather and shipping issues; HDOT states that new dates for this work will be announced later.
Further sign installations requiring full roadway closures are expected as part of this project, with completion anticipated by Fall 2026.
“HDOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, be aware of all traffic control signs and barriers and plan commutes ahead of time. Special duty police officers will be on-site assisting with safety procedures,” according to an HDOT statement.
All planned work is subject to weather conditions which may affect scheduling or completion dates. HDOT provides weekly updates about lane closures on its website at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/oahu/. Those interested in receiving weekly updates can subscribe at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/hidot/subscriber/new.
