The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced that intermittent full closures of Kailua Road (Route 61) at the intersections of Uluʻoa Street and Ulumanu Drive have been rescheduled to December 8 and 9. The closures are necessary for the installation of traffic signal mast arms as part of a larger traffic signal project at these intersections.
According to HDOT, work that was originally planned for December 2 will now take place on Monday, December 8, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. During this time, crews will install and tighten bolts on the mast arm at the Honolulu-bound lanes of the Ulumanu Drive intersection. The right turn onto Ulumanu Drive will remain open during the closure. HDOT noted that “the traffic signal mast arm on Kailua Road at the intersection of Ulumanu Drive, in the Kailua-bound direction, was installed on Thursday, Dec. 4.”
On Tuesday, December 9, another closure is scheduled for the Honolulu-bound lanes of Kailua Road at Uluʻoa Street from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., allowing crews to safely tighten bolts on the mast arm there. Right turn pockets onto Uluʻoa Street will stay open during this period. However, HDOT stated that due to a recent vehicle collision, “the newly installed base of the Honolulu-bound mast arm at the intersection of Uluʻoa Street may need to be replaced.” Crews will assess whether repairs can be made or if replacement is necessary; if so, further work will be scheduled later.
Once repairs or replacements are completed, installation of the mast arm at Uluʻoa Street can proceed. HDOT explained that “the new traffic signals will be attached to the mast arms upon installation but remain covered until activation.”
Daily lane work may continue between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., affecting either direction’s left lane for curb work along medians. Additional remaining tasks include widening turn pockets, striping and sign installations, removal of raised crosswalks, and activation of the new traffic signal system.
The department estimates project completion by January 2026 but notes this could change depending on repair needs.
Special duty police officers will assist with traffic control and safety procedures during construction activities. Electronic message boards will inform motorists about closures. Weekly updates on O‘ahu lane closures can be found on HDOT’s website: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/oahu/
