Expect delays and lane closures along Atkinson Drive over the next five months, as workers replace an aging 12-inch water line that runs under the thoroughfare and that broke twice in 2006.

The work is part of a two-year, $32 million sewer and water line rehabilitation project along Kapi'olani Boulevard that started in September.

The Atkinson project will replace more than 1,500 feet of piping installed in 1934.

Last year, the main ruptured in January and again in October.

Both times, the breaks snarled traffic. And the October incident cut off water to several businesses and residents, including the Hawai'i Convention Center.

Brian Lum, manager of the Kapi'olani project for the Board of Water Supply, said the main needed to be replaced years ago.

The board alerted condominiums and businesses in the area about the work, and has urged those with questions to call the project hot line.

Though the construction is an inconvenience, he said, most people understand the work is needed to avoid more water main breaks.

"Still," he added, "they're (drivers) going to see something here. There will be delays."

Project crews were given approval to close lanes along Atkinson Drive around the clock, but they have agreed to confine construction to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Also, at least one lane in each direction will be open at all times, Lum said.

Completing the Atkinson work now will mean less of a traffic headache later, when construction on the Kapi'olani Boulevard water and sewer project moves to its final phase — from the intersection with Atkinson Drive to the intersection with Kalakaua Avenue.

The sewer and water line rehabilitation project is now on Kapi'olani between Kona Iki and Kamake'e streets.

Crews are also replacing a sewer line on Kamake'e Street.

Lum said that during the Atkinson Drive work, water service to customers will not be interrupted unless there is an emergency.

But next year, when the new Atkinson line is connected to the new line being installed along Kapi'olani Boulevard, water service will be briefly cut, he said.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.