FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          March 18, 2005

Release No. DDC-1

REHABILITATION OF PIIKOI STREET RESUMES NEXT WEEK

Motorists are advised that reconstruction and resurfacing of Piikoi Street from King Street to Matlock Avenue will resume on Monday (March 21, 2005). The work is expected to be completed in  mid-June, weather permitting.

Work on the project will be performed from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Night work was ruled out because of the proximity of homes.

The right-hand lane of Piikoi between Young and Beretania streets will be closed around the clock from Monday, March 21, to Thursday, March 24.  That will be necessary for construction of a curb ramp at the corner of Piikoi and Beretania streets. Despite the closure, access to the Garden House parking lot along Piikoi Street will be permitted at all times.

Lowering of manholes and other utility structures will begin on March 28, in preparation for the resurfacing. Asphalt pavement reconstruction and resurfacing will begin on April 4  and is expected to take five weeks.  Final adjustment of utility structures to grade, permanent pavement marking and installation of traffic detector loops will follow.

Motorists and pedestrians are urged to avoid Piikoi Street and cross streets from King Street to the H-1 Freeway. Those who must travel through the area should allow additional travel time and expect delays and lane closures.

  Special-duty police officers will assist in guiding motorist around the construction zone.

The work will complete reconstruction of Piikoi Street makai of the H-1 Freeway. That project began last year at Kapiolani Boulevard, but was suspended for the holidays.

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Contact:

            Michael Yuen, DDC Construction Management Branch chief, 547-7722

            Marvin Char, DDC Civil Division chief, 527-6381

            Mark Matsunaga, 352-1528