HART begins construction on columns, foundations

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation will begin on the first section of the elevated guideway for the rail transit system. With all the necessary state and federal approvals needed to move forward in hand, HART gave contractor Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. the green light to begin drilling for the concrete foundation shafts and support columns. The work started on April 23 in East Kapolei near Farrington Highway in the first section of the 20-mile route.

“This significant milestone for the rail project moves us closer to providing Oahu residents with an alternative to sitting in horrific traffic congestion,” said Dan Grabauskas, HART’s executive director and CEO. “We want to thank the Federal Transit Administration and state agencies that have worked closely with us on all of the necessary approvals. This is indeed a great day for Oahu.”

The 20-mile rail transit system from East Kapolei to Ala Moana is expected to open in 2019.