The two left-most lanes of the east-bound H-1 Freeway in Kalihi were closed for about two hours yesterday morning after a mobile construction crane rammed into the Gulick Avenue overpass.

The incident, which was reported at 10:49 a.m., resulted in a miles-long traffic backup, with near-gridlock conditions extending as far back as the airport.

The two lanes were reopened at 12:36 p.m., police said.

Tammy Mori, spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation, said engineers examined the overpass bridge before it was reopened for signs of structural damage but found none. The department planned to send a contractor to re-examine the bridge to see what kind of repairs are needed, Mori said.

She said the impact from the crane knocked some concrete loose and exposed a section of reinforcing steel.

Debris that fell to the pavement and several chunks of concrete that were left dangling from the collision had to be removed before the lanes could be reopened, Mori said.

She said the crane was not in the fully lowered position when the crash occurred .

The company that was moving the crane will face a fine for operating a vehicle that exceeded the height limit on the freeway and will be billed for repairs to the bridge, Mori said.