Work on a new waterline connection under the H-1 Freeway eastbound will require two-lane closures between the Middle Street merge and the Likelike Highway off-ramp over two weekends, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT). The closure is set to begin at 9 p.m. on Friday, February 13, and continue until 4:30 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026. Additional weekends—February 20-23, February 27-March 2, and March 6-9—have been designated as backup dates in case of weather or construction delays.
The department stated that “the closure is needed to tie in the new 36-inch waterline being constructed as part of the Interstate Route H-1 Eastbound Improvements, Ola Lane Overpass to Likelike Highway off-ramp.” Homes and businesses connected to this waterline are currently using bypass lines and will not experience service interruptions during this period.
Special duty police officers will be present for traffic control and safety. Electronic message boards will notify motorists about closure information.
The overall project aims to improve safety and efficiency along this section of the interstate by eliminating a merge area and adding emergency shoulders. It also includes rehabilitation work on the Gulick Avenue Overpass—which has O‘ahu’s lowest vertical clearance—to increase its height by approximately six inches.
“The Interstate Route H-1 Eastbound Improvements, Ola Lane Overpass to Likelike Highway off-ramp is designed to improve safety and efficiency on the interstate by eliminating a merge and adding emergency shoulders. The Gulick Avenue Overpass, currently the lowest vertical clearance on O‘ahu, will be rehabilitated through the project and will gain approximately 6 inches in height,” HDOT said.
The expected completion date for these improvements is October 2027, depending on weather conditions. Further details about the project can be found at https://h1widening.com/. A complete list of scheduled lane closures statewide is available at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/.
HDOT manages transportation infrastructure across Hawaii’s six major islands—including highways like H-1—as part of its responsibility for air, land, and water systems in coordination with federal and county agencies. The department’s mission focuses on maintaining safe mobility for residents while supporting economic growth (https://hidot.hawaii.gov).
