The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced a series of full closures on the westbound H-1 Freeway for destination sign installations. The first closure will take place on Wednesday, January 7, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. between the Kaimakani Street overpass and the Salt Lake Boulevard underpass. During this time, crews will install new destination signs featuring updated directional markings and Hawaiian spelling.
Motorists traveling westbound will be detoured via the Stadium off-ramp (Exit 15A), continuing along Kamehameha Highway through ʻAiea to access the Moanalua Road on-ramp back to the H-1 Freeway.
Additional upgrades are scheduled for later in January. On Wednesday, January 14, upgraded signs will be installed on the westbound Airport Viaduct, requiring another full closure of the westbound H-1 Freeway from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., with detours set up via Nimitz Highway.
Further work is planned for Nimitz Highway near Joint Base Pearl Harbor/Hickam (JBPHH) on Wednesday, January 28, also from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. This phase will require full closures of eastbound lanes on Nimitz Highway as well as several freeway and highway ramps in the area. Access to JBPHH during these hours will be maintained through Makalapa and Kuntz gates.
In February 2026, upgraded signage is expected to be installed at Vineyard Boulevard along the H-1 Freeway. HDOT notes that additional phases requiring full roadway closures will be announced as schedules are finalized. The estimated completion date for all sign upgrades is fall 2026.
HDOT advises motorists: “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.”
All construction work is subject to weather conditions, which may alter final completion dates.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation oversees airports, harbors and highways across all six major Hawaiian islands while coordinating with federal and county agencies official website. The department’s responsibilities include planning, designing and maintaining transportation infrastructure statewide official website.
Weekly updates about lane closures can be found at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/oahu/, and those interested in receiving regular updates can subscribe at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/hidot/subscriber/new.