This week, leaders and community members from West O'ahu will gather to discuss the continuing transformation of this important part of our state. As transportation demands continue to rise in our growing West O'ahu communities, the state Department of Transportation (DOT) has numerous projects in various stages of development designed to help alleviate congestion residents of Kapolei, 'Ewa and the Leeward Coast experience every day.

We are moving forward on the development of the North-South Road — the largest road construction project undertaken since the completion of H-3. Phase 1A is now complete. Phase 1B of the project will complete the new four-lane divided highway with bike lanes between the new Kapolei Parkway and Farrington Highway, along with water, sewer and drainage infrastructure. Phase 1C of the project, which began last month, will construct a new interchange at the H-1 Freeway and make the final connection with Farrington Highway. We anticipate opening the new North-South Road in late summer of 2009.

'Ewa motorists may also have noticed roadwork beginning recently on another large-scale project designed to help shorten their commutes in the region. At a cost of almost $60 million, the second phase of the Fort Weaver Road widening project will change Fort Weaver Road from a four-lane to a six-lane highway from 'A'awa Street to Geiger Road and is scheduled for completion in two years. The widening of the road from Farrington Highway to 'A'awa Street was completed last year.

Design work on the first phase of a new H-1 Freeway Kapolei Interchange is complete and ready to go out to bid for construction. As a partnership between the state and developer Kapolei Property Development, this $23 million project will improve area access to the H-1 by adding eastbound on- and off-ramps near Wakea Street, a westbound on-ramp from Makakilo Drive, and a westbound off-ramp to Farrington Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin next summer and will be completed in about a year and a half.

Work on the design for the Fort Barrette Road widening project also continues, which will double the number of lanes in each direction from Farrington Highway to Roosevelt Avenue in Kalaeloa. This project will also improve bicycle and pedestrian safety along this stretch, which is even more important considering the new schools that have been built along this corridor. At an estimated cost of $20 million, construction is slated to begin in 2009.

Designs for the East-West Road in Kapolei is wrapping up and will create a new four-lane roadway parallel to Farrington Highway near the future UH-West O'ahu campus. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2008 at an estimated cost of $15.5 million. This project is being done in cooperation with the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, which is installing infrastructure for its projects in the area.

Future state projects in the planning phases include the widening of Farrington Highway from Hakimo Road in Nanakuli to Kalaeloa Boulevard and the implementation of a PM ZipperLane, which will provide an extra HOV lane in the 'ewa-bound direction during afternoon rush hour.

The DOT has also made a conscious effort to improve alternatives for commuters. Bike and pedestrian facilities in the region are being considered in all of our road improvement projects to encourage people to bike or walk within their communities. The long-discussed Leeward Bike Path project, which will connect the old train station in 'Ewa to Lualualei on the Leeward Coast through the old railroad right-of-way, is currently in design.

The DOT has also stepped up efforts to promote ridesharing programs like Vanpool Hawai'i, which has become increasingly popular around the state. Sharing a ride with friends or co-workers can be the most cost-effective and the fastest way to fight congestion on Hawai'i's roads. Many vanpoolers find the commute a little more bearable when riding with friends to help pass the time, and employers have also observed happier employees once they get to work.

Several city projects have been carefully coordinated with the DOT. These projects include the Kapolei Parkway Extension, Kamokila Boulevard Extension, the Makakilo Drive Extension that will connect to the North-South Road, and also the city's proposed mass transit system. "TheBoat" commuter ferry service also provides Leeward residents with yet another alternative.

Combined, these projects will transform the face of transportation in West O'ahu and will help provide a stable, balanced transportation framework for commuters for years to come.

Brennon Morioka is deputy director of highways for the state Department of Transportation. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.