The H-1 Freeway between Halawa and Pearl City will be closed at least one more night to help finish key portions of a $55 million widening project, state transportation officials said.

Construction crews plan to close the freeway from 9:30 p.m. today to 4 a.m. tomorrow, said Scott Ishikawa, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.

Crews closed the freeway three days last week to pour a 5-foot-wide, 1,245-foot-long ribbon of concrete between the old lane and the new lane along the Waimalu Viaduct.

Work scheduled last night was postponed because of bad weather.

The closures are needed to keep the freeway vibration-free to form a strong bond.

Tonight, crews hope to complete the paving. New signs must be installed over the widened stretch. Last night's postponement could mean the project will have to be extended to tomorrow night, Ishikawa said.

The project will expand the freeway to six 'Ewa-bound lanes all the way to the Pearl City off-ramp in hopes of alleviating a major bottleneck.

Ishikawa said the project is on schedule for an April completion.

Motorists are asked to use alternative routes such as Kamehameha Highway or Moanalua Road through 'Aiea and Pearl City and to allow for extra travel time.

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com.