Critical component of HART light rail project will soon be underway; called ‘huge accomplishment’

Major utility work is ready to take place on HART’s light rail project.

HART

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has announced the award of a contract for the relocation of utility infrastructure along Dillingham Boulevard to Nan, Inc.

The Dillingham utility relocations have long been identified as a critical component for the completion of the rail project.

The contract is valued at just under $500 million and includes the relocation of utilities in the Kalihi-Palama area from the corner of Kamehameha Highway and Laumaka Street to the corner of Dillingham Boulevard and Kaaahi Street. The physical construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2023 and be completed by the first quarter of 2026.

Similar work is underway under a separate contract with Frank V. Coluccio Construction Co. for downtown utility relocations. This work began in August 2022 and is taking place from Kaaahi Street, along Nimitz Highway through downtown, and along Halekauwila Street to Cooke Street.

“Awarding the contract for the utility relocations for Dillingham Boulevard is a huge accomplishment for HART as it is the final large contract before we get to the actual guideway and station construction through this corridor,” said HART Executive Director and CEO Lori Kahikina, P.E. “It is also worth noting that this bid was lower than our independent cost estimate by approximately 3%. We look forward to working with Nan, Inc., on this important project and are committed to its success.”

The purpose of the contract is to relocate – or move – existing underground and/or overhead utilities along the rail alignment that will conflict with the future location of the rail guideway and columns. The utility relocation involves the infrastructure for water, sewer, electricity, fuel, communications and storm drainage, and also certain roadway improvements. The required relocation work also will provide improvements and upgrades to certain sections of the utility infrastructure. The project will have multiple simultaneous construction sites. Both daytime and nighttime work is anticipated with periods of 24/7 construction in select areas on an as-needed basis.

Read more articles on track construction.