Construction of a new H-1 Freeway interchange giving motorists more direct and quicker access in and out of the heart of the Kapolei commercial/business district is expected to begin early next year. The interchange is set to open by fall 2010.

The state Department of Transportation announced yesterday that it has awarded a $16.6 million construction contract for the first phase of the Kapolei Interchange Complex to Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co.

The new interchange is expected to provide traffic relief for the downtown Kapolei area. Kamokila Boulevard and Farrington Highway are heavily congested, particularly during the noon hour.

Phase 1 of the interchange project will create new east-bound freeway on- and off-ramps at Kamokila and Wakea Street, and between the Kapolei Theaters and Zippy's, as well as a new west-bound freeway off-ramp near Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. A new west-bound on-ramp at the Makakilo Interchange will also provide access to H-1 Freeway from Makakilo Drive.

Phase 2 will add to the new interchange, including a concrete H-1 Freeway overpass, a westbound off-ramp from H-1 Freeway to Wakea, and a new westbound on-ramp onto Farrington Highway. Subsequent phases will include new on- and off-ramps for the Palailai and Makakilo interchanges.