Massive Airport Runway Project Delays State Roadway Repairs
Road repairs across the state of Hawaii are being halted due to a massive project at the Daniel K Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
The project, aimed at reconstructing Runway 8L to accommodate larger jets, is utilizing the entire supply of asphalt in the state.
As a result, the Department of Transportation has postponed several state projects, including construction on the Likelike Highway and the H-1 Freeway near the airport viaduct on Oahu.
Additionally, three projects on Hawaii Island and four projects on Kauai, including a $21.7 million islandwide improvement project, have been delayed.
Lawmakers in the affected areas are expressing their concerns and urging the swift completion of the airport project.
Hawaiian Airlines has reported ongoing delays for some of its routes during peak travel times.
The Department of Transportation acknowledges the inconvenience and is working to expedite the reopening of Runway 8L before the summer travel period.
However, due to factors beyond their control, the project has experienced setbacks.
The closure of the runway has led to daily delays of up to 40 minutes for certain midday flights departing from Lihue and Maui.
The Department of Transportation emphasizes the importance of completing the project by May 26th, despite potential challenges, to minimize disruptions for residents and visitors.
The overall project is expected to be finished in the first quarter of 2024.
In other news, the Biden administration has proposed new rules aimed at holding airlines accountable for flight delays, potentially leading to compensation for affected passengers.
Further details regarding these rules have yet to be announced.
This article was compiled by Kristy Tamashiro for KHON2 News, reporting on the impact of the massive airport runway project on state roadway repairs in Hawaii.
